The Jewish Daily Forward reported today on a story of an Orthodox Jewish man who as a teenager who was brutally raped and sexually assaulted multiple times by his male mentor and teacher at the Yeshiva Tiferes Shulem D'Nadvorna in the Boro Park area of Brooklyn, New York.
Referred to only as "Pinny" in the article, due to his fear of shame in his community, the man was never able to come forward and tell his story about the horrifying times when his teacher "punched, choked and molested" him. The young Pinny did try to report the abuse to a rabbi, but was threatened with death by his abuser so later recanted his story.
The article goes on to discuss the difficulties of reporting sexual abuse and sexual crimes in such a close community. Additionally, it is well known that survivors of sexual abuse often are too ashamed or afraid to come forward to accuse their abusers of the crimes they have committed. Often these abusers will choose to bribe children or threaten them into silence, like in Pinny's case.
The article also did not mention the name of the teacher, as he has not been charged with any crime. The alleged abuser cannot be punished by the law or in a civil suit due to New York's statute of limitations.
If you or a loved one has suffered sexual abuse at the hands of a teacher, mentor, rabbi or other individual in the Hasidic community, please contact a New York Hasidic sexual abuse attorney at the Zalkin Law Firm. You are not alone and you can receive the legal help that you need.
