Rabbi in Court on Child Sex Counts

By Stephen Cauchi
The Age
December 3, 2012

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/rabbi-in-court-on-child-sex-counts-20121203-2aqdk.html

A rabbi has appeared in court over allegations he sexually assaulted three boys at Yeshivah College in St Kilda East between 1990 and 1992.

David Kramer, 52 – who was extradited from the US state of Missouri – appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court and was remanded in custody until January 18. He did not apply for bail.

As he was led from the court, a member of the gallery yelled out "welcome back to Australia, Rabbi Kramer".

Deputy Chief Magistrate Felicity Broughton heard that Kramer had been charged with 10 counts of indecent assault and two counts of indecent acts with a child under the age of 16.

It is understood Rabbi Kramer, a US national, has spent time in Israel and in the American midwest, where he was volunteering as a synagogue youth leader. He left Australia in 1993 after parents at Yeshivah – a Jewish orthodox school – raised concerns about his behaviour.

Kramer was surrendered by US authorities on Thursday in response to an Australian extradition request.

Upon arrival, he was arrested and charged by Moorabbin Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team detectives.

Yeshivah College apologised to victims of child-sex abuse earlier this year after allegations that multiple students were molested by trusted members of the school community.

"We understand and appreciate that there are victims who feel aggrieved and we sincerely and unreservedly apologise for any historical wrongs that may have occurred," stated the letter, which was signed by members of the Yeshivah College executive.

A victim of sexual assault by other staff at Yeshivah, Manny Waks, released a statement saying that "today is a monumental day for the Australian Jewish community."

"On behalf of some of the victims, I would like to thank the Victoria Police for their excellent work in extraditing David Kramer to Australia to face justice. It is my understanding that this is the first such extradition in Victoria.

"While it is and no doubt will continue to be traumatic for David Kramer's alleged victims in reliving their abuse, they're now more determined than ever to pursue this matter until justice is obtained.

"The victims have emphasised their intention to also hold to account those involved in the ongoing cover-up.

"I would like to take this opportunity to encourage other victims within the Jewish community, whether in this case or in any other case, to come forward to police and pursue justice. It will also ensure that our community will be a safer place for our children."

Mr Waks said he was helping to establish an advocacy group for victims of child sexual abuse within the Jewish community.