Hackney Council warns parents to avoid Rabbi Chaim Halpern

Education department sends warning, saying it “strongly advises” children should not be referred to him for counselling while Union of Orthodox Hebrew Congregations investigates allegations of sexual impropriety.

Hackney Council’s education department has sent out a warning relating to Rabbi Chaim Halpern, saying it “strongly advised” that children should not be referred to him for counselling.

Paul Senior, the council’s interim education director, has written to all head teachers in the borough and “settings leads” — the term used for those in charge of children’s centres and non-school institutions.

Referring to allegations of sexual impropriety made against the Golders Green rabbi, which he denies, Mr Senior notes that “this situation appears to be very serious”.

He says that the allegations against the rabbi are being investigated by the Union of Orthodox Hebrew Congregations and says that while the investigation is taking place, Hackney Education “would strongly advise you not to refer any children in your care to Chaim Halpern, and to ensure that the parents, carers and families of your children are also made aware of this situation”.

Those seeking more information about the issue are advised to make contact with the council’s acting head of wellbeing and safeguarding in education, Katherine Cracknell.