Alleged Sexual Assaults at Yeshivah
Melbourne police have launched an investigation into alleged sexual assaults at Chabad’s Yeshivah College in St Kilda East between 1989 and 1993.
They have made a public call for any one who was either a victim or witnessed sexual assaults at the Yeshivah.
Detective Acting Sergeant Scott Dwyer told J-Wire: “We are limited as to how much we can say at this stage as the matter is under investigation but we have had a good response to our request for information.
J-Wire publishes the police request for assistance below and passes on the further request for co-operation from the community.
A response to the community reached those connected with the Yeshiva through a circular distributed by Menachem Vorcheimer.
He wrote:
“Dear Members of the Community,
I write in respect of the letter (attached) sent this week by Victoria Police to former students of the Yeshivah College in respect to “sexual assaults that may have been committed at Yeshivah College”
It is important that we as a community confront this issue, and accept the reality.
Victims of these alleged crimes must be given all the encouragement and support necessary to come forward.
Many in the community have been aware of these allegations for an extended period of time.
As a community we must confront and accept the right and obligation of Victoria Police to investigate.
As parents and community members, we have a duty to confront sexual abuse in our Community.
Only this way, can we ensure that it never happens again.
I refer you all to the attached letter signed by the Rabbinical Council of Victoria, which compels people to report and discuss these matters with the police
It is imperative to note that there is a positive Halachic obligation not just for the victims to come forward, but more importantly those who are aware, either as friends of victims, or persons of authority who may have become aware, to also come forward and report the matters to Victoria Police.
It is not time to judge the past errors, rather it is the time to set things right.
As a community we must have the courage and dignity to unite and ensure a full, thorough and proper investigation is conducted, and those who took advantage of our Community’s children are held to account.
Ongoing silence is NOT an option.
J-Wire publishes the letter Vorcheimer refers to below:
