Jewish community let abuser work with children, inquiry hears

The Australian
February 2, 2015

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/jewish-community-let-abuser-work-with-children-inquiry-hears/story-e6frg6n6-1227205130801

David Cyprys is serving an eight year sentence for child abuse.

LEADERS of Melbourne’s orthodox Jewish community failed their duty of care by allowing a known child abuser to work with children, the royal commission has heard.

The royal commission investigating institutional responses to child sexual abuse today began its first examination of Jewish institutions, looking at the orthodox Yeshivah centres and schools in Sydney and Melbourne.

The commission will probe whether religious law or cultural attitudes influenced the response of the Chabad leaders and the Yeshiva community towards people who speak out against abuse, have publicly criticised past practices or called for the institutions to be accountable.

A man known by the pseudonym AVA was the first witness, testifying about the abuse he experienced over three years at the hands of David Cyprys, who is currently serving an eight year prison sentence.

Cyprys was employed throughout the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s at the Yeshivah Centre in Melbourne, working as a martial arts instructor, security guard and locksmith.

Cyprys started abusing AVA when AVA was 14 years old, often at the centre’s mikveh (religious bath).

His mother rang Rabbi Yitzchok Dovid Groner, who was the senior rabbi and director of the Yeshivah Centre from 1958 until his death in 2008, when she first learnt of the abuse in 1986.

“Oh no, I thought we cured him,” Rabbi Groner said, according to a statement the mother tendered to the royal commission.

“Don’t worry about it. I will take care of it. It will be fine.”

The mother said she had “stupidly” believed Rabbi Groner, and was still trying to forgive herself.

AVA told the commission Rabbi Groner had called him into his office after that phone call, and said he would “look after” the situation but did not discuss specifics.

AVA continued his Kung fu classes with Cyprys, as did other boys.

AVA, who suffered drug abuse and depression following his abuse, has now separated from the Jewish community and told the royal commission he believes Yeshivah tried to protect itself instead of its students.

“There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the Yeshivah Centre and some of the rabbis were aware of David’s penchant for young boys,” he said.

“The Yeshivah Centre and Yeshivha College knew that David was molesting me and it went on for two years after they were told.

“They had a duty of care to me and I believe they are responsible for failing to prevent that abuse.”

Cyprys continued to work at the Yeshivah Centre until 2011, the year he was arrested.

“I do not care how cured they thought he was,” AVA said.

“You do not leave someone with that sort of inclination anywhere near kids.”

In 2002 AVA told his mother the abuse had continued after he first disclosed it to her in 1986, prompting the woman to call Rabbi Groner again.

He asked if her son was going to the police, to which she replied “probably”.

He then said “Well, what do you need me for,” and ended the conversation.

The hearing is due to run in Melbourne for the next two weeks, with nine rabbis expected to give evidence.