Yeshiva University spent decades covering up the predatory behavior of multiple rabbinical staff, including that of the assistant principal. 38 of the Yeshiva’s victims are speaking out and seeking justice thanks to the passing of the NY State Child Victims Act.
My wife likes to say that I dislike injustice… though it usually comes in the form of unfair queuing at Whole Foods (seriously, WTF Whole Foods?!).
As I read the coverage of our recent lawsuit, it sticks with me that many call the abuse “alleged.” For those who do that, I suspect that word doesn’t mean what you think it does.
You appear to use the phrase “alleged” abuse, because at the moment, our legal action against Yeshiva University is just that — a claim in the courts.
However, it’s important to know the full history of our claim of abuse against Yeshiva University going back to 2013 in order to understand that Yeshiva University doesn’t dispute that there was abuse or a cover up.
If we claim abuse and Yeshiva agrees it happened, there’s nothing alleged about the claim.
It’s just that Yeshiva University don’t want to be held accountable. That attitude requires a different word (or phrase… but I’ll leave that to the reader).
An Independent Investigation Took Place
At the time of our initial suit, Yeshiva University commissioned in independent investigation by the law firm of Sullivan & Cromwell to investigate the claims we made of predatory sexual behavior by some of the rabbis and the coverup of said behavior.
Sullivan & Cromwell completed a report that one of Yeshiva University’s own law school professors called disappointing and which, in her view, “did not do the right thing.”
There was no question that the abuse occurred. Even this independent commission “report” made that much clear:
“multiple incidents of varying types of sexual and physical abuse took place at YUHSB [and at other schools comprising the University] during the relevant time period… including, in some instances, after members of the administration had been made aware of such conduct.” This is little more than a continuation of the cover-up that apparently already occurred.
The abuse is not disputed in the report, or by the Yeshiva leadership. Richard Joel felt that a less-than-sincere apology was enough to get the healing process completed though:
Leadership Admitted the Abuse Occurred
“I express my deepest and most heartfelt remorse, and truly hope that our recognition of these issues provides some level of comfort and closure to the victims,”
I’ll say it again.
No one disputes that the abuse happened. Therefore, it should not be referred to as “alleged abuse.”
It’s 2019 and the Yeshiva can’t hide behind antiquated laws that protect predators or their enablers.
Yeshiva’s Own Law School Professor Spoke Out
I’ll leave you with one last quote from Marci Hamilton, the Cardoza Law School Professor who urged the Yeshiva to do the right thing, but felt they did not. Her words stuck with me as I re-read all of the earlier press and court transcripts:
this [investigation into the abuse and subsequent report] is an affront to survivors everywhere. I have never read a document of this genre with less verbiage speaking directly to the survivors. It is, in a word, cold. YU needs to figure out how to become more child-centered in its approach to abuse, or it will be fighting these battles for decades to come.
Marci Hamilton, 5 Sep 2013 (link)
It is with sadness and deep regret that I read the recent news regarding the abuse you and so many others at MTA and other YU affiliates. When these allegation first came light, it was clear to me that if it looks like sh**,and smells like sh** then it surely is sh**. No amount of apologies, sincere and insincere words can undo the profound damage done to you and colleagues. I was very vocal about it then much to the chagrin of family and friends who denied culpability because of the relationship with the then president of YU. I knew you during those trying years and now realize how significant your anger was then and how profoundly affected you are now, rightfully so. I wish you success in this lawsuit and hope that if nothing else it brings some level of closure and piece of mind.
🙏
David: Does the lawsuit include claims for emotional/mental abuse? I attended MTA for four years (1974 – 78) and my life was made a living hell by George Finkelstein a/k/a the “Malach Hamoves.” Please advise. P.S. Macy Gordon was my “rebbe” for two of those years. P.S.S. Barry Freundel was my counselor at Camp Morasha in the summer of 1974. P.S.S.S. Baruch Lanner was the leader of many NCSY events that I attended during this time frame.
The things that took place at YU were well known and always made me angry. When I recently learned that I grew up with one of the victims, I felt personally abused.
We should always rally to support every victim of abuse regardless of whether or not they are from our own community. And we must always hold the perpetrators fully accountable, especially when they’re part of our own community.
David, I hope you are successful in the lawsuit and can get the justice and peace of mind you deserve.
You are very brave for coming forward and seeking justice for yourself and others. You are also helping children in the future as well by shining a spotlight on what has been covered up for decades. Anyone who contributed to victimizing you either directly or passively by enabling the filthy perverts deserves to get run over by a cement mixer. Good luck and stay strong!