Jewish newspaper 'sacks' whistleblower
The Australian
Katherine Towers
2 March 2015
A SENIOR journalist has been made redundant from The Australian Jewish News after passing on information that helped a royal commission and led to the resignation of Australia’s most senior Rabbi.
Adam Kamien, who had worked for the paper since 2006, became the only person in the newsroom to be made redundant following an internal investigation into how text messages ended up being used by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
The text message, sent from the Rabbi Meir Kluwgant to the editor of the AJN, Zeddy Lawrence, and read out at the royal commission, described the father of an abuse victim as a “lunatic” who neglected his children.
“Zephaniah is killing us. Zephaniah is attacking Chabad. He is a lunatic on the fringe, guilting of neglect of his own children. Where was he when all this was happening?”
Under intense cross examination, Rabbi Kluwgant was forced to admit he sent the message to Mr Lawrence during the commission evidence of Zephaniah Waks, father of victim and whistleblower Manny Waks.
Soon after admitting to the text, Rabbi Kluwgant resigned as president of the Organisation of Rabbis of Australasia.
Yeshiva College sex abuse victim Manny Waks told The Australian Kamien was a whistleblower who courageously ensured that justice was done.
“In my view it’s clear that the journalist was effectively dismissed for disclosing to me a vital bit of evidence for submission to the royal commission,” he said.
“Had the text message not been disclosed, Rabbi Kluwgant would probably still have his senior leadership positions and victims and their families would still be accused of exaggerating the intimidation.
“The journalist’s disclosure ensured the truth was told. It vindicated us fully.”
The AJN launched an internal investigation into how the text message found its way to the royal commission and Mr Kamien was suspended on full pay pending the outcome of an investigation.
A few days later the AJN confirmed it had concluded its investigation and would “take no further action in relation to the matter”.
“The Australian Jewish News confirms that as a result of its investigation The Australian Jewish News determined to lift the suspension imposed on the relevant employee and take no further action in relation to the matter,” the paper said.
But on Friday last week, group general manager Rod Kenning sent an email to staff saying that Mr Kamien’s position as senior journalist had become redundant.
“I’m sorry to have to tell you that the position of senior journalist in the Melbourne office has been made redundant as part of a restructure of the editorial team,” the email said.
“As a result, Adam Kamien will be leaving the paper.
“The Australian Jewish News takes this opportunity to thank Adam for his loyal service.
“No further redundancies are planned at this time; however, if you have any concerns regarding your position, please do not hesitate to talk to me.”
The Australian Jewish News would not comment on Mr Kamien’s redundancy.
The Australian contacted Mr Kamien, who refused to comment other than to confirm he had been made redundant.
The revelation is an embarrassment for the AJN, which last week celebrated its 120th anniversary with a cocktail party in Sydney, attended by Joe Hockey and Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull.
Originally published at The Australian.
Adam Kamien, who had worked for the paper since 2006, became the only person in the newsroom to be made redundant following an internal investigation into how text messages ended up being used by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
The text message, sent from the Rabbi Meir Kluwgant to the editor of the AJN, Zeddy Lawrence, and read out at the royal commission, described the father of an abuse victim as a “lunatic” who neglected his children.
“Zephaniah is killing us. Zephaniah is attacking Chabad. He is a lunatic on the fringe, guilting of neglect of his own children. Where was he when all this was happening?”
Under intense cross examination, Rabbi Kluwgant was forced to admit he sent the message to Mr Lawrence during the commission evidence of Zephaniah Waks, father of victim and whistleblower Manny Waks.
Soon after admitting to the text, Rabbi Kluwgant resigned as president of the Organisation of Rabbis of Australasia.
Yeshiva College sex abuse victim Manny Waks told The Australian Kamien was a whistleblower who courageously ensured that justice was done.
“In my view it’s clear that the journalist was effectively dismissed for disclosing to me a vital bit of evidence for submission to the royal commission,” he said.
“Had the text message not been disclosed, Rabbi Kluwgant would probably still have his senior leadership positions and victims and their families would still be accused of exaggerating the intimidation.
“The journalist’s disclosure ensured the truth was told. It vindicated us fully.”
The AJN launched an internal investigation into how the text message found its way to the royal commission and Mr Kamien was suspended on full pay pending the outcome of an investigation.
A few days later the AJN confirmed it had concluded its investigation and would “take no further action in relation to the matter”.
“The Australian Jewish News confirms that as a result of its investigation The Australian Jewish News determined to lift the suspension imposed on the relevant employee and take no further action in relation to the matter,” the paper said.
But on Friday last week, group general manager Rod Kenning sent an email to staff saying that Mr Kamien’s position as senior journalist had become redundant.
“I’m sorry to have to tell you that the position of senior journalist in the Melbourne office has been made redundant as part of a restructure of the editorial team,” the email said.
“As a result, Adam Kamien will be leaving the paper.
“The Australian Jewish News takes this opportunity to thank Adam for his loyal service.
“No further redundancies are planned at this time; however, if you have any concerns regarding your position, please do not hesitate to talk to me.”
The Australian Jewish News would not comment on Mr Kamien’s redundancy.
The Australian contacted Mr Kamien, who refused to comment other than to confirm he had been made redundant.
The revelation is an embarrassment for the AJN, which last week celebrated its 120th anniversary with a cocktail party in Sydney, attended by Joe Hockey and Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull.
Originally published at The Australian.