Child Abuse in the Community:
We have learned that a television program is to be broadcast next week which seeks to portray some elements in the Jewish community as not dealing appropriately with serious crimes against children.
For the sake of clarity, the London Beth Din is re-stating its position on how we address this matter.
We have an obligation to safeguard the children of our community and we have to accept that, even within our own communities, there are those who steal the innocence of our children through criminal activity.
We are acutely aware that sexual abuse can, (apart from being inherently abhorrent), destroy lives and cause a breakdown in relationships. At its worst it can be the cause of suicide, death from drug overdose and mental illness.
It is therefore essential that when abuse has occurred, the police must be informed without delay. Local communities should not attempt to deal with the situation internally. Delays in reporting abuse can cause vital evidence to be lost, allowing the abusers to continue violating our children. We must all ensure that the children of our communities will be protected by reporting abuse to the authorities wherever it takes place.
As you have previously been informed, the United Synagogue’s Child Protection Officer is David Frei. Should you encounter or be informed about any situations which raise concerns, please refer to him in the first instance for advice.
Rabbi Dr J Shindler
Office of the Chief Rabbi
If this is a real announcement, where is a copy of a notice hung up in a shul, or posted on their website. Use have hotlinked to the LBD logo on the theus.org.uk website to make it look official, but nowhere can I see any indication that this is real. The US certainly don't broadcast announcements via anonymous blogs, much as the Federation and Union also don't.
ReplyDeleteThe message was issued to the LBD Rabbanim
DeleteThe let's see a forward of the email, or a scan of a paper copy as with all official announcements. How did the anonymous poster get the exact wording, unless it was forwarded as an email or scanned?
DeleteThey're upset that R Padwa is being featured on the Channel 4 show and not their Chief Rabbi. So they have to make a 'child protection' officer.
ReplyDeleteWho would you choose from the union to be it.
The best "Child Protection" officer for the "Union" would be the Skvereh Menahel !!
Delete@ drai-kopf
ReplyDeleteI wonder if you'd be so glib and flippant if it had been your kids that had been abused.
Chils abuse is one area in which there is no room for humour or levity.
You let yourself down.