RCA Supports Victims in Chaim Walder Abuse Case

December 30, 2021 – The Rabbinical Council of America, the leading membership of orthodox rabbis in North America, expresses its concern and support for the children and adults who were the victims of sexual abuse perpetrated by Chaim Walder, a therapist and author of children’s books in Israel.

Rabbi Binyamin Blau, president of the RCA, said, “This high-profile case reinforces the reality that our community, like all others, is not immune from the scourge of abuse. We call on everyone to protect and support victims and hold perpetrators accountable. We recognize that the allegations were not adjudicated in court, yet the reports to rabbis and the press are credible and substantial. We applaud those rabbis, especially Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu and the members of his rabbinical court, for their vigorous engagement with this case. We thank those who removed Walder’s books from their store shelves and those who champion the cause of his innocent victims.”

Rabbi Mark Dratch, executive vice president of the RCA, said, “Those in positions of leadership must create an environment in which victims are encouraged and feel safe to report abuse, and must promote public awareness and discussion of credible allegations of abuse. We must teach the proper interpretation and application of such noble Torah principles as lashon hara (deprecating speech), dan le-kaf zekhut (judging favorably), halbanat panim (public shame) and piku’ach nefesh (protecting life) and not use them to silence victims or thwart communal safety. The Torah, the elixir of life, promotes safety and supports the vulnerable. Failure of our community to act responsibly and appropriately on behalf of victims constitutes a Chillul Hashem, a desecration of God’s Name.”

The RCA encourages all victims of abuse to report abuse directly to local authorities in order to seek protection and in order to pursue justice.