A statement from Southern Sydney Synagogue

J-Wire
February 15, 2015

http://www.jwire.com.au/statement-southern-sydney-synagogue/

The Board of  Southern Sydney synagogue has issued a statement distancing itself from views expressed at the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse…its spiritual leader Rabbi Yosef Feldman was amongst those who gave evidence.

The statement:

“The Board of Management of Southern Sydney Synagogue is distressed by statements made during testimony given over the past 2 weeks at the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. The views expressed in some evidence were extremely troubling and regrettable.  We reiterate that these views do not reflect the opinions of the Board of the Synagogue.

The Board confirms the position of the Southern Sydney Synagogue in relation to reporting child abuse.  We confirm that according to both Halachic and secular law it is a positive obligation to report any such offences to the secular authorities without delay.  We condemn any efforts to silence those who were victimised or their families.  Victims and their families should be treated with the utmost compassion and care.

This has been a shameful and painful chapter in the Jewish Community which we hope will lead to ensuring the future safety of our children.”

The synagogue declined to comment when asked about the current situation of the relationship between their community and Rabbi Feldman.