Kiryas Joel Hasidic School Raided by FBI Amid Alleged Rabbi Sex Abuse against Two Boys

By Reuven Blau
New York Daily News
May 12, 2016

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/hasidic-school-rabbi-busted-fbi-alleged-child-sex-abuse-article-1.2635250

Kiryas Joel Hasidic school raided by FBI amid alleged rabbi sex abuse against two boys

FBI agents raided a Hasidic school Thursday where a principal was taped forcibly touching two young male students.

The agents seized documents at the United Talmudical Academy and several other locations in Kiryas Joel, N.Y.

The FBI confirmed the raids but declined to provide details. The federal investigation comes after a video was posted on Facebook showing a school principal sitting directly across from a young boy, who at one point clasps his hands over his pelvic area.

The school worker appears to kiss the child on the face for several seconds. School officials defended the encounter, saying authorities looked into the tape and declined to bring charges.

"The principal in question is a respected rabbi in our community with over 30 years experience in religious instruction and administration," a statement issued by the school Tuesday said.

The videos were sent to state and county officials over seven months ago, the school said.

Child advocates spread a video appearing to show a Hasidic school principal inappropriately kissing and touching a young male student.

The rabbi was "embracing" the students who were sent to his office for behavioral issues," the school added.

Activists want the school to fire the principal and are urging authorities to criminally charge the man.

"His actions are unacceptable," Boorey Deutsch wrote on Facebook. "The child in the video is clearly highly uncomfortable being held between the rabbis legs…the child is also clearly seen trying to get away from him multiple times."

Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler has declined to discuss the tapes.