A statement from Rabbi Yaakov Glasman
19 February 2015
Like many in the Jewish community, I was deeply moved by the reconciliation between Manny Waks and the Groner family.
Much unnecessary hurt has been caused in recent years because of the actions and inaction of leaders in the community, both religious and lay, in relation to abuse as well as in responding to the intimidation experienced by some who are victims or survivors of abuse.
I believe that one of the factors that has contributed to this culture has been the tendency to obfuscate the issue of child sexual abuse by diverting attention to matters that are in fact unrelated to the core issue. It is in this context that I want to publicly acknowledge my own failing.
In early November of last year Manny Waks posted on his social media page a criticism of me relating to my past role as President of the Rabbinical Council of Victoria. Instead of responding to his criticism objectively and rationally, I responded emotionally by counter-criticizing him on a matter that was unrelated to his core concerns. I realized my mistake and partially amended my response shortly thereafter (I have since removed my entire comment), however this in no way diminished the hurt I caused Manny and others with my response, and for this I apologize unreservedly. I do so of my own volition because, as a rabbi and a human being, I feel the need to take responsibility for my actions and to make them right.
I believe that in the wake of the Royal Commission, we as a community need to experience the healing process, and learn critical lessons from the past. In doing so, we can hopefully move forward together in achieving the one goal we all ultimately want to achieve - the safety of our most vulnerable and valuable asset, our children.
Rabbi Yaakov Glasman
Much unnecessary hurt has been caused in recent years because of the actions and inaction of leaders in the community, both religious and lay, in relation to abuse as well as in responding to the intimidation experienced by some who are victims or survivors of abuse.
I believe that one of the factors that has contributed to this culture has been the tendency to obfuscate the issue of child sexual abuse by diverting attention to matters that are in fact unrelated to the core issue. It is in this context that I want to publicly acknowledge my own failing.
In early November of last year Manny Waks posted on his social media page a criticism of me relating to my past role as President of the Rabbinical Council of Victoria. Instead of responding to his criticism objectively and rationally, I responded emotionally by counter-criticizing him on a matter that was unrelated to his core concerns. I realized my mistake and partially amended my response shortly thereafter (I have since removed my entire comment), however this in no way diminished the hurt I caused Manny and others with my response, and for this I apologize unreservedly. I do so of my own volition because, as a rabbi and a human being, I feel the need to take responsibility for my actions and to make them right.
I believe that in the wake of the Royal Commission, we as a community need to experience the healing process, and learn critical lessons from the past. In doing so, we can hopefully move forward together in achieving the one goal we all ultimately want to achieve - the safety of our most vulnerable and valuable asset, our children.
Rabbi Yaakov Glasman