Voice of the Jewish News: Focus must now be on abuse prevention

The response to our recent front page on a tenfold increase in serious cases support service Migdal Emunah is handling since the crimes of Chaim Walder came to light has been significant.

Beyond the obvious impact on victims, revelations of decades of child sexual abuse by Walder have ripped through the heart of Israel’s strictly-Orthodox community like an explosion, sending shockwaves around the globe.

The influential US-based Orthodox Union (OU) put it best when it said it had “created upheaval across the Jewish world, as it must”, and had “shattered an entire community’s sense of trust”. Its impact has certainly reached these shores. Those calling it “the Orthodox #metoo moment” are a little premature, but be in no doubt that this hasn’t just registered on the Richter Scale – it’s broken it.

The OU says that within the “flood of responses to this tragedy… some demonstrate a severe lack of understanding of sexual abuse”. This is of immense concern. But there is hope. Misappropriated halachic concepts have been reappropriated (whatever some may say, the Torah does not prohibit disrespect for paedophiles). Likewise, those who urge silence in the face of child sex abuse have been faced down.

More importantly, influential Orthodox rabbis, such as Rabbi Shraga Zimmerman at the Federation of Synagogues, have used their pulpits to preach that “it is permissible – and an obligation – to report abuse to civil authorities”, namely the police. He said last week: “This is the only way that it will be stopped.”

Others have encouraged followers to “use this opportunity to expose and turn in predators”. Carpe diem, as it were. But along with justice for past sins, there must be a focus on preventing future crimes. Indeed, the groundwork is already being laid.

The Walder affair is forcing Orthodox parents to talk to their children about child sexual abuse, traditionally a taboo topic. This is a good thing. Forewarned is forearmed, especially since innocents are the most vulnerable.

It seems an awful thing to have to teach them, but predators can be wolves in sheep’s clothing, simulating sensitivity and understanding, providing guidance perhaps; using their charisma and power to abuse.

This is what Chaim Walder did. The community has an overarching duty to ensure men like him are exposed.