Sexual Abuse

Rabbis' wives join revolution to protect sexual abuse victims

Wives of rabbis complete a pioneering course on sexual abuse, gaining tools to create protected communities across Israel.

Following Amudim letter:

Rabbi Schachter retracts support for clemency bid in abuse case

Yeshiva University's Rabbi Hershel Schachter retracts support for clemency request on behalf of a convicted abuser, following harsh statement by Zvi Gluck, CEO of Amudim.

The chilling testimony of Guy Gilboa-Dalal from Hamas captivity

Former hostage Guy Gilboa-Dalal recounts a horrific moment in which he was abused by a terrorist. “He put a gun to my head and a knife to my throat and said that if I told anyone - he would kill me.”

UN offical claims no investigation found rape committed on Oct. 7

United Nations Special Rapporteur on violence against women Reem Alsalem falsely claimed that there was "no rape" committed during the Hamas massacre of October 7, 2023, ignoring the UN's own investigation.

Hamas captivity survivors give chilling testimony at the UN

Captivity survivors Keith and Aviva Siegel appeared before the Committee against Torture and Cruel Punishment and gave their testimony about the humiliation, violence and sexual abuse they and other hostages experienced in Hamas captivity.

'To crush my dignity'

Captivity survivor reveals sexual abuse by Hamas captors

Rom Braslavski, who survived 2 years in Hamas's clutches, describes for the first time the physical, mental, and sexual abuse his captors inflicted on him.

Second woman accuses ICC chief prosecutor of sexual misconduct

Former intern accuses ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan of repeated unwanted advances in The Hague in 2009. Khan denies all claims, calling them attempt to discredit him following arrest warrants against Russian and Israeli leaders.

457 Visits:

Cyberattacks and harassment target special Rabbinical court

Cyberattacks and harassment target Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu’s special court, in what is believed to be retaliation by associates of a rabbi from Elad.

Official:

Hamas on UN 'blacklist' for sex crimes in violent conflicts

UN Secretary-General’s report detailing the 'blacklist' of organizations that commit sexual crimes in violent conflicts to include Hamas terror organization for the first time.

Guterres warns Israel of inclusion in sexual violence report

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres writes to Amb. Danny Danon: 'I am putting Israeli armed and security forces on notice for potential listing in the next reporting cycle, due to significant concerns of patterns of certain forms of sexual violence that have been consistently documented by the United Nations.''

Despite imprisonment: Malka Leifer continues harassment

Malka Leifer, former school principal convicted of raping her students, documented harassing younger inmate.

13 complaints filed against Haim Rotter, including from US

Complainant from US files complaint, together with FBI, against sex abuse suspect Haim Rotter, chairman of Hashomrim organization.

Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu on Haim Rotter: 'He's like a murderer'

Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu expresses deep shock over Haim Rotter’s crimes, says it is a mitzvah to report to police, protect victims, and prevent further harm.

'I went through hell'

Captivity survivor recounts sexual abuse

At the launch of a report on Hamas atrocities, survivor Ilana Gritzewsky recounted sexual violence in captivity and urged Israeli leaders to act now to bring all hostages home.

Head of Bnei Brak's 'Hashomrim' named as sex crime suspect

Haim Rotter, prominent Bnei Brak figure, named as suspect arrested Wednesday on suspicion of serious sexual offenses against minors.

Prominent haredi figure arrested over sexual offense allegations

Senior member of a well-known organization arrested amid allegations of severe sexual offenses against minors.

Riots in Beit Shemesh during attempted arrest

Police who attempted to arrest a man suspected of sexual abuse of a minor were attacked by dozens of local residents. Five individuals were injured.

‘Do not be ashamed, this is a holy mission'

Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu spoke at a meeting of the Knesset Lobby for the Prevention of Sexual Abuse on the importance of treating sexual offenders: 'We are correcting so much wrong in this world. Saving so many lives.'

International Women’s Day

Women’s Declaration:"We Believe You"

UN Report on Sexual Violence: Women’s Declaration on International Women’s Day – “We Believe You.”

UN Sexual Violence rep.:

'Oct. 7th survivors - please break your silence'

Pramilla Patten, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, met with First Lady, Michal Herzog to discuss the sexual violence committed by Hamas.

Devastating testimonies

Sunday Times publishes front-page investigation into Hamas rapes

The popular Sunday Times Magazine has published a front page article investigating rape by Hamas on Oct. 7, including chilling testimonies.

Jerusalem:

Court extends arrest of teacher accused of sexual abuse

Jerusalem teacher, 52, is accused of sexually abusing students.

Trump found liable in sexual abuse suit, must pay $5M in damages

E. Jean Carroll wins lawsuit accusing ex-president of sexual abuse and defamation, Trump ordered to pay damages.

Brothers suspected of raping teenage sister

Police arrest brothers suspected of raping sister multiple times over the course of several years.

Father of 9 posing as Hasidic Jew charged with molesting sons

TikTok sensation single father who lied about Jewish background facing 11 charges related to sexually abusing 6 children.

Activists urge Israel to reject sex abuser's immigration request

Orthodox activist group pushing Israel to deny citizenship to an American rabbi, citing his conviction for sexual assault.

5 women speak up against revered teacher: 'Forced herself on us'

Revered haredi teacher Zivia Rotenberg, is accused of multiple sexual offenses against her students

Elderly man suspected of sexual abuse is arrested

Elderly man arrested for sexual assault committed years ago, after alleged victims file complaint with police.

Leading haredi rabbi: Father can report child's abuse to police

In newly-publicized video, Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky responds to question on whether father may turn to police after son is hurt.

NJ yeshiva principal quits amid allegations of past sexual abuse

Top rabbi at modern Orthodox yeshiva in New Jersey resigns abruptly following allegations of sexual abuse 30 years ago.

On self-protection and redemption

What are the most important values in your life? You can talk and learn about them, emulate others and note that most of us try to do that.

Orthodox activists push for stronger response to sexual abuse

Frustrated by haredi leadership and response to Chaim Walder scandal, Orthodox activists look to change how rape accusations are handled.

Haredi Lawmaker: All rapists deserve to be shot

United Torah Judaism MK Yitzhak Pindrus tells Knesset hearing on sexual abuse that in Jewish theocracy, 'all rapists would be shot'.

We should phase out male OB-GYNs

The future of the field should be placed in the hands of women, and we need to make sure that happens. Opinion.

This will not stand - statement on sexual abuse

Three well-known psychiatrists on the tragedy of sexual abuse and the need to be aware of the challenges facing our communities. Opinion.

Support Victims: Let not History Repeat Itself

Turning death of an abuser into an anti-lashon hara crusade tells victims their suffering doesn't matter. Opinion.

Melbourne court orders Malka Leifer to stand trial

Melbourne court orders Malka Leifer to stand trial for 70 counts of child sexual abuse.

Reform Movement launches massive probe of sexual abuse claims

After string of high-profile revelations of sexual misconduct, Reform Movement opens three-pronged investigation into claims of abuse.

Bedouin burglar sexually assaulted 10-year-old Jewish girl

Father speaks out after Bedouin Arab broke into his home and went 'from bed to bed' before assaulting the family's 10-year-old daughter.

Interpol searching for Argentine rabbi accused of sexual abuse

International police looking in Israel for former rabbi of Buenos Aires synagogue who stands accused of molesting two youths.

Nahariya hospital rabbi suspended on suspicion of sexual abuse

Civil Service Commissioner suspends rabbi at Galilee Medical Center following latest complaint of abuse of 17-year-old boy.

Tragedies - past, present and future?

If we learn one thing from the global COVID-19 pandemic, let it be that no one is immune to pain and suffering.

Corona & domestic violence

'Victims quarantined with their abusers'

Amudim CEO tells Arutz Sheva of a surge in distress calls from abuse victims & the the initiative to offer assistance to the entire public.

Hold On: Amudim band supports survivors of sexual abuse

Powerful new music video featuring leading Jewish artists raising sexual abuse awareness and providing needed support.

Ex-nanny found guilty of abusing Utah Chabad rabbi from age 8

Former nanny could face up to life in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing Avrohom Zippel, now a Chabad rabbi, when he was 8.

Ugly men

Jeffrey Epstein arrested on new sex-trafficking charges

Billionaire New York financier Jeffrey Epstein, already a listed sex offender, arrested over new sex-trafficking charges

A first in haredi sector:

Faith and art through supervised graffiti

'Graffiti is an art of protest. I draw and protest as if to tell people, "Look! There are so many people out there suffering".'

D.C.: Preschool staffer on leave due to 'inappropriate conduct'

D.C. police investigating child sexual abuse allegations at Reform preschool

When sexual abuse victims' parents turn their backs

Triumphing over societal taboos: Fighting sexual abuse in the haredi sector.

Female teacher fights dismissal over affair with teen student

Education Ministry initiates proceedings against female teacher after police, prosecution, close case due to 'lack of evidence.'

Lawsuit against Jerusalem haredi school alleges sexual abuse

Haredi organization claims Jerusalem elementary school covered up physical and sexual abuse for years.

Israeli woman may face extradition to Australia over child abuse

Former religious school principal faces possible extradition to Australia following claims of child abuse.

Watch: How you can protect your children from sexual abuse

Orthodox educator looks to share his insights into combating child abuse with Israeli parents. 'Abusers afraid of educated children.'

Bnei Brak lawsuit: Yeshiva student harassed others over 3 years

Conspiracy of silence? Allegations of sexual abuse and pedophilia at flagship haredi yeshiva.

Pope defrocks priest convicted of sex abuse

Pope Francis defrocks Italian priest found guilty of the sexual abuse of minors.

Rabbi Berland begs for his release

Berland appeals to chief rabbis for help saying he is in poor health.

Chief Rabbi: Don't sweep child abuse under the rug

'Unfortunately we've recently seen horrific cases in our midst' writes Chief Rabbi Lau, 'burying our head in the sand is not the answer.'

'Not reporting sexual abuse violates the Torah'

Head of Tzohar criticizes rabbis over failure to report cases of sexual abuse in their communities.

Key witness against fugitive rabbi reveals 'private Holocaust'

Witness against Rabbi Berland reveals the night he tried to sneak a glimpse of the rabbi studying - and caught a sight that shook his faith.