Do you believed you were abused at Ohel or feel they mishandled your case?

Bottom row: Asher White, Henna White, David Mandel,
Back row: David Pelcovitz, PhD, Charles Hynes 

The Awareness Center is looking for survivors of abuse who feel they were abused and or neglected by staff members or other clients of Ohel Children's Home and Family Services system.

Over the years there have been many allegations of both staff members and clients physically and sexually abusing others.  There have been a few cases that were reported to the child abuse hotline or the police, including a few cases that were prosecuted.

The problem is that there are so many rumors floating around that the majority of these types of cases have never been reported to the secular authorities.  There have also been allegations that the Ohel administration influenced law enforcement officials to sweep crimes under the rug, especially when the offenders have made large donations to various key individuals, organizations and political party; or the alleged offender has political clout or their family members have influence in the orthodox community.

 If you have a story to share please contact The Awareness Center.  We need not only your story, but also documented information regarding your case.

Background Information:

Mark This Date: March 8 – Peaceful Rally for Justice in Crown Heights 

• (03/01/2011) Past Ohel Employee Speaks Out: A Sudden Attack Sparks Crusade 
• (02/27/2011) Call for OHEL Leadership Change - Ohel Jewish Children's Home and Family Services
• (02/26/2011) Ohel: What do you say to the children who were abused that you neglected to report to CPS? 
• (02/23/2011) Conflict of interest? Asher White representing offenders of Henna's DV clients 
• (02/22/2011) Honoring the members CALA NY 
• (02/19/2011) NYPD refuses to investigate allegations of assault against rallying women 
• (02/16/2011) Religious Women Protest Against Henna White and Ohel Family Services 
• (01/15/2011) Tamar's Story 
• (12/10/2010) David Mandel - An Expert On Abuse?  I don't think so
• (09/15/2010) Former Ohel Employee Charged with a sex crime - Case of Andrew Goodman
• (03/02/2010) Ohel Gets New State Funding For Sex Abuse Awareness
• (02/10/2010) YU - Rabbis in Training Receive Lessons in Real-Life
• (12/07/2009) CALL TO ACTION: Demanding The Immediate Removal of David Mandel as CEO of Ohel 
• (10/14/2009) New York Times: Orthodox Jews Relying on Legal Prosecution of Sex Abuse
• (10/13/2009) WARNING: Ohel's Support Group for Frum Survivors
• (10/04/2009) BREAKING NEWS: Judge Lashes Out At Orthodox Community In Sex-Abuse Case; Says It Protects Abusers, Not Victims
• (08/04/2009) CALL TO ACTION: New York Mayor violates law to fund Ohel and Agudath Israel of America
• (06/15/2009) Case of Stephan Colmer
• (04/30/2009) David Mandel on the SOL Bill: Once again putting offenders and orthodox agencies before the needs of survivors of sex crimes
• (04/28/2009) CALL TO ACTION:  Contact Ohel and let them know how you feel about David Mandel's Comments
• (04/26/2009) Should we be shocked that David Mandel would oppose the SOL bill in New York?
• (09/21/1999) Case of Simcha Adler - Counselor, Ohel Children's Home 
• (12/10/1985) Case of Rabbi Dr. Avrohom Mondrowitz - Psychologist, Ohel Children's Home and Family Services

Conflict of interest? Asher White representing offenders of Henna's DV clients

by Annie Kay and Vicki Polin

Examiner - Feb. 23, 2011

What happens in Brooklyn can easily occur in Chicago, Lakewood, NJ, Los Angeles and other insulated religious communities.

Henna White and her boys

After learning of a several cases in Brooklyn,  The Awareness Center and the Coalition Against Legal Abuse have joined forces to insure that the Brooklyn Family Court system is safe for survivors of domestic violence, sex crimes and other types of abuses.

Yesterday, attorney Asher B. White, attempted to represent a man who's wife and children are alleged victims of domestic violence.  During the hearing, the alleged offender's ex-wife asked the judge if there might be a conflict of interest having Asher White represent her husband -- considering his wife (Henna White), is employed by the Brooklyn District attorney’s office -- as the liaison to victims in the Jewish orthodox community, and had past involvement in this case.

Both the Coalition Against Legal Abuse (CALA NY) and The Awareness Center also raised some concern regarding Asher White's affiliation with Ohel Family Services, since the survivor is also former resident of OHEL’s domestic violence shelter.

Back on Feb. 15th, CALA held a rally in front of Agudas Yisroel Bais Binyomin Hall, where Henna White was being honored.  

During the CALA rally, members openly shared their belief that Ms. White was gathering information from those turning to her offices for help -- leading the alleged victims to believe that she was a victims advocate, and providing them with information and referrals.  

Several women at the CALA rally voiced their concerned that instead of using the confidential information to help those who made allegations of domestic violence and sex crimes, Ms. White shared confidential information with her husband, Asher B. White.  

CALA members went on to say that they believe that the information obtained was then provided to Asher White and was used to help the alleged offenders, while harming the cases of the alleged survivors of both domestic violence and sex crimes.  

The Awareness Center and CALA NY believe there is a conflict of interest to have attorney, Asher White represent the husband of any person who is a survivor of crimes who has utilized the services of his wife, Henna White at the District Attorney’s office.  

CALA NY urges those who suspect their cases have been compromised by Henna White or by Asher White, call:  347-292-8364 for support.

Key points:

• Henna White is an employee of Charles Hynes, the Brooklyn District Attorney.   
• Henna White's position is to work as the liaison between victims of crimes and the Jewish orthodox community.
• Henna White's job is to act as an advocate for the rights of victims of crimes and not to assist in building a defense for the alleged offenders.