Tuesday, April 15, 2003

Rabbi Hershel Billet - About Reporting Childhood Sexual Abuse

Young Israel of Woodmere
859 Peninsula Boulevard, Woodmere
New York 11598-2498
(516) 295-0950  (516) 295-1050

April 15, 2003

To whom it may concern:
It is my opinion that it is halachically permissible and in may cases obligatory to call civil authorities (child protection services and/or your local police department) when you SUSPECT a child is being abused and/or neglected. "This does not constitute "mesirah".   A sexual predator, molester, abuser, etc., is a "Rodef."

Respectfully yours,
Rabbi Hershel Billet
Young Israel of Woodmere, New York
 

(FYI:  Rabbi Billet also serves as the President of the Rabbinical Council of America and a member of the Orthodox Caucus)

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