Did Rabbi Downplay Incest Rape?

By Telem Yahav
Ynet News
January 14, 2012

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4175496,00.html

The State Prosecutor's Office has filed an indictment this week against two brothers who molested their younger sister, Yedioth Ahronoth reported Friday.

The abuse continued for years after a rabbi advised the parents against involving to the police, saying that such incidents "happen in many families."

The girl,14, was only 10 years old when her older brothers began sexually assaulting her. The eldest brother, 20, used to rape his sister regularly, while the younger of the two, 19, touched her inappropriately.

When the parents discovered the horrifying abuse they consulted their rabbi, who advised them to deal with the issue at home.

The parents claimed the rabbi told them they shouldn't "make a big deal of it" because it is a common occurrence. The family kept the episodes secret for two years; meanwhile, the abuse continued.

The case was uncovered when the minor told her psychologist about what her siblings had done. The therapist then informed the police.

The older brother has been charged with rape, indecent acts and sodomy, while the younger one has been charged with indecent acts and attempted rape.

"The accusations filed by the prosecution don't reflect the truth," the defendants' attorneys, Yehuda Fried and Tal Gabay, said. "In any case, our clients chose many years ago to pursue a path of rehabilitation and treatment, and we believe that the court will choose this path as well."