Case of David Mandel

Case of David Mandel

(THIS PAGE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION)

CEO of Ohel Family  Services

David Mandel has a long history of enabling sex offenders and allegedly helping to cover up sex crimes.  Even though his organization receives both State and Federal funding, the long time policy of Ohel is not to report suspected cases of sex crimes directly to law enforcement agencies.  Instead they bring the suspected cases to their rabbis to determine if a hot-line report should be made.  

David Mandel has also been promoting himself as an expert in cases of child abuse and neglect even though he does NOT have the appropriate education and training to do so.

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Table of Contents:

1997

1. Michele Miltz tells her horror story of how a sudden attack on the job at Ohel Family Services (02/21/1997)

1999

1. Victims Learn Kid Sex Offender Served No Time (09/12/1999)

2007

1. Child Molestation - David Mandel and Ohel Children's Home and Family Services (10/09/2007)

2008

1. We Must Feel The Pain And Anguish - By A Member of the Baltimore Community (03/16/2008)
2. Vicki Polin responds to Phil Jacobs article - Yisroel Shapiro Isn't Shackled, His Survivors Are (03/23/2008)
3. Is David Mandel a Mandated Reporter?  (09/21/2008)
4. Rabbinic Molesters Issue Moving Agudah (09/24/2008)

2009

1. "Saying it Like it is" - Bullying, Intimidation, Extortion Attempts (04/17/2009)
2. Should we be shocked that David Mandel Would Oppose the SOL bill in New York?  (04/26/2009)
3. Regarding David Mandel Opposing the SOL bill in New York (04/28/2009)
4. David Mandel Enabler of Sex Offenders on the Markey Bill (04/30/2009)
5. David Mandel on the SOL Bill: Once again putting offenders and orthodox agencies before the needs of survivors of sex crimes ]  (04/30/2009)
6. WARNING: Ohel's Support Group for Frum Survivors (10/13/2009)
7. David Mandel - An Expert On Abuse? I don't thinks so  (11/04/2009)
8. CALL TO ACTION: Demanding The Immediate Removal of David Mandel as CEO of Ohel (12/07/2009)

2010

1. HUGE PROBLEM: OHEL Training YU - Rabbis in Training Receive Lessons in Real-Life Traumas  (02/09/2010)
2. New Square appoints Vaad to deal with sexual abuse  (04/22/2010)

2011

1. Ohel: What do you say to the children who were abused that you neglected to report to CPS? (02/06/2011)
2. Call for OHEL Leadership Change - Ohel Jewish Children's Home and Family Services (02/27/2011)
3. Religious Women Protest Against Henna White and Ohel Family Services (02/26/2011)
4. Do you believed you were abused at Ohel or feel they mishandled your case? (03/03/2011)

2012

1. Mandated Reporting in NJ: Dr. Pelcovitz, what are you thinking?  (05/06/2012)

2013

1. Case of OHEL Children's Home & Family Services (01/10/2013)

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Also See:

• Case of Simcha Adler
• Case of Rabbi Moshe Eisemann
• Case of Kal Holczer
• Case of David Pelcovitz, PhD
• Case of the Unnamed Rabbi: Principal who impregnated a girl with learning disabilities

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FAIR USE NOTICE
 
Some of the information on The Awareness Center's web pages may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. I am making such material available in my efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues, etc.

I believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.

For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml . If you wish to use copyrighted material from this update for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

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"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." -- Margaret Mead

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Case of OHEL Children's Home & Family Services

Case of OHEL Children's Home & Family Services
OHEL: List of Alleged and  Convicted Offenders - and other related stories

The following are links to articles and cases that have ties to Ohel Family Serives, which includes case of alleged and convicted sex offenders and case in which many feel that thre was an obstruction of justice on the part of Ohel Children's Home and Family Services.

If you can think of any other alleged or convicted sex offenders connected to Ohel Family Services, please forward them to VickiPolin @aol.com
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Disclaimer: Inclusion in this website does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement. Individuals must decide for themselves if the resources meet their own personal needs.

Table of Contents:
 
Alleged and Convicted Sex Offenders:  Professionals connected to Ohel

1. Simcha Adler
2. Andrew Goodman 
3. Dr. Rabbi Avrohom Mondrowitz
4. Yona Weinberg, MSW, LCSW

Alleged and Convicted Sex Offenders:  Past Clients

1. Case of Stefan Colmer
2. Case of Rabbi David Y. Greenfeld
3. Case of Rabbi Baruch Mordechai Lebovits
4. Case of Emanuel Yegutkin
5. Case of the Unnamed Rabbi: Principal who impregnated a girl with learning disabilities

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OTHER RELATED STORIES REGARDING OHEL

1997 

1. Michele Miltz tells her horror story of how a sudden attack on the job at Ohel Family Services (02/21/1997)   

1999

1.  Victims Learn Kid Sex Offender Served No Time  (09/12/1999)  
   

2002

1. Can Sex Offenders Ever Be Cured? Commonly Asked Questions About Sexual Abuse (Part Two) (08/07/2002)
2. Haredi Group Balks At Clergy Law (08/12/2002)
3. After long denial, Orthodox world begins to grapple with sexual abuse
   (09/09/2002)

 
2007

1. Child Molestation - David Mandel and Ohel Children's Home and Family Services  (10/09/2008) 

2008

1. Vicki Polin responds to Phil Jacobs article - Yisroel Shapiro Isn't Shackled, His Survivors Are (03/23/2008) 
2.  Is David Mandel a Mandated Reporter? (09/21/2008) 

2009

1. "Saying it Like it is" - Bullying, Intimidation, Extortion Attempts (04/26/2009) 
2. Should we be shocked that David Mandel Would Oppose the SOL bill in New York? (04/26/2009)  
3. Regarding David Mandel Opposing the SOL bill in New York (04/28/2009)  
4. David Mandel on the SOL Bill: Once again putting offenders and orthodox agencies before the needs of survivors of sex crimes (04/30/2009)  
5. Rabbi Dovid Cohen; Ohel Children’s Home and Family Services - On The Hot Seat  (06/12/2009)   
6. CALL TO ACTION: New York Mayor violates law to fund Ohel and Agudath Israel of America (08/04/2009) 
7. WARNING: Ohel's Support Group for Frum Survivors (10/13/2009)  
8. Orthodox Jews Relying More on Legal Prosecution of Sex Abuse (10/14/2009)  
9. David Mandel - An Expert On Abuse? I don't thinks so (11/04/2009)  
10. Rabbi Dovid Cohen; Ohel Children’s Home and Family Services - On The Hot Seat  (06/12/2009)

2010



2011

1. Religious Women Protest Against Henna White and Ohel Family Services 
   (02/16/2011)
2. NYPD refuses to investigate allegations of assault against rallying women
   (02/19/2011)
3. Conflict of interest? Asher White representing offenders of Henna's DV clients
   (02/23/2011)
4. Ohel: What do you say to the children who were abused that you neglected to report to CPS? (02/26/2011)
5. CALL TO ACTION: Elliot Pasik is still involved with the Jewish Board of Advocates for Children? (07/25/2011)

2012   

1. Mandated Reporting in NJ: Dr. Pelcovitz, what are you thinking?  (05/06/2012) 
2. Case of Rabbi / Dr. Asher Lipner  (08/22/2012)
3. Do you believed you were abused at Ohel or feel they mishandled your case? 
4. Regarding "Voices of Dignity", SOVRI Helpline and Kal Holczler
5. Ohel Gets New State Funding For Sex Abuse Awareness
6. HUGE PROBLEM: OHEL Training YU - Rabbis in Training Receive Lessons in Real-Life Traumas 

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FAIR USE NOTICE
Some of the information on The Awareness Center's web pages may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues, etc.

We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.

For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml . If you wish to use copyrighted material from this update for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.
 
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Regarding the SOVRI Helpline and Mandated Reporting

Regarding the SOVRI Helpline and Mandated Reporting 

 By Vicki Polin

 The Awareness Center's Daily Newsletter - June 20, 2012

The SOVRI Helpline is an organization whose policy is not to make hotline reports in cases where they suspect a child is at risk of harm.  They have been justifying their belief in not following the law in New York by saying that since they are a volunteer based organization, they are not mandated to report.  They fear that no one will utilize their services if they do the right thing, and protect children when they suspect they are at risk of harm and or neglect.  

 

The Awareness Center is also an all volunteer based organization, and our policy is and has always been to always make reports when we suspect a child is at risk of harm, and let law enforcement and or child protective services make the determination if something is wrong.  Throughout the history of our organization we have found that those who call us find it comforting to know that we do everything in our power to ensure children have the opportunity to grow up in abuse free environments.

Rabbi Dovid Cohen, Halachic Advisor to Ohel and SOVRI

It is also important to note that according to several halachic authorities  all Jews, regardless if stipulated by American law, are considered mandated reporters.  

One would think that any organization who associates with the SOVRI Helpline, who say they care about ending sexual abuse/assault in the orthodox world, would take the high road and do everything in their power to ensure orthodox Jewish children’s civil rights are protected and report all suspicions that a child is at risk of harm would be reported.

SOVRI was originally created many years ago and then folded.  It was revived again back in 2008 as a reaction to the hotline/recorded message put out weekly by Rabbi Nuchem Rosenberg, who was encouraging members of the ultra orthodox community to make hotline reports and work with law enforcement officials.

Unfortunately, SOVRI has a history of having many ties to Ohel, which is a mental health agency based in Brooklyn, NY.  This is an organization that receives federal funding, yet their policy is to discourage individuals from making hotline reports when they suspect a child is at risk of harm.  The four key players in this “helpline" include:  Chaya Mermerstein, LCSW and Cheryl Friedman, LCSW, both of Beth Israel's staff and psychotherapist Yoni Hikind, LMSW (son of New York Assemblyman - Dov Hikind).  The original founder of the organization is Bassya Littman.

SOVRI’s halachic advisor is rabbi Dovid Cohen.  For those of you who are unaware, rabbi Cohen is also the halachic advisor (Jewish legal advisor) for Ohel. Please watch the youtube video of David Mandel, who is the CEO of Ohel providing an educational seminar in Baltimore, in which he gives false information relating to sexual abuse survivors and discourages the audience from protecting children: "Is David Mandel A Mandated Reporter?"

Mandated Reporting in NJ: Dr. Pelcovitz, what are you thinking?

by Vicki Polin

Examiner - May 6, 2012
http://www.examiner.com/article/mandated-reporting-nj-dr-pelcovitz-what-are-you-thinking

The saga continues with the dynamic duo of David Mandel (director of Ohel Family Services) and David Pelcovitz (licensed psychologist and Yeshiva University professor). Both have been speaking at workshops in haredi communities around the United States and NOT providing parents with the most important information needed to protect their children from being abused.  Once again these two self proclaimed experts omitted providing parents in Lakewood, NJ the necessary information regarding mandated reporting.

The ongoing issues of Pelcovitz and Mandel not talking about mandated reporting during workshops is partially due to the fact they continuously cave into political pressures from various rabbonim -- who mandate that individuals get permission from rabbis prior to reporting suspicions of child abuse and or neglect to law enforcement officials or making hotline reports without the permission of local rabbis first.  Several experts in the field of mind control have described the ciphering information to its membership by any community leader, such as the rabbonim of Lakewood, as being a form of cult like behavior.

On May 3rd, Dr. Pelcovitz and David Mandel spoke at a symposium held at Ateres Riva that was sponsored by the Lakewood Community Services Corporation, and organized by Rabbi Moshe Velvel Weisberg who is a member of the Vaad of Lakewood (Jewish religious court).

A few days after the event an audio recording of psychologist David Pelcovitz was released on youtube.com.  On that recording Dr. Pelcovitz  admits to a concerned parent that he was asked NOT to discuss calling the police in suspected cases of child abuse during the workshop.
What is interesting is that in the state of New Jersey, EVERYONE is a mandated reporter, including individuals giving workshops on child abuse and neglect.  In New Jersey, mandated reporting does NOT mean going to your local orthodox rabbi first to get permission.  The truth is that pressures from the rabbonim in Lakewood could also be construed as a form of witness tampering, and should be reported to local, state and federal law enforcement officials.

In the Asbury Press article published back in 2009, “Culture clash: Secular law and the Torah: Orthodox community deals with sexual abuse”,  Rabbi Weisberg stated:  “The town's rabbinical leaders strongly deny their residents are discouraged from reporting suspicions to law enforcement as a way to avoid outside stigma. If anything, they say, there is an increased hypersensitivity toward ridding the community of offenders swiftly and openly. But because of an inherent distrust in the secular legal system, a fear of a destroyed reputation or an uncertainty of the evidence, another option is needed. Their system offers those people who are reluctant to go to authorities another channel through which to bring allegations that otherwise would never be heard.” . .  .  "The moral weight of a Bais Din can have a tremendous effect as an incentive for perpetrators to stop their activity for fear of community sanctions,"

During the 2006 Agudath Israel of America conference, Rabbi Matisyahu Salomon -- who is not only a highly respected teacher at Lakewood's Beth Medrash Govoha yeshiva, he’s also the head spiritual advisor (mashgiach ruchanai) -- and is one of the rabbonim who allegedly apply pressure not to report suspicions of child abuse and neglect to authorities, addressed the handling of sensitive matters such as sex crimes in the context of criticizing anonymous bloggers.

"Yes, I would say we do sweep under the carpet sometimes," Salomon said at a 2006 convention for Agudath Israel of America, a national organization of Jewish leaders. "You know what we sweep under the carpet? Not what we don't do; what we do. Do these people know how many times perpetrators have been dealt with? Do these people know to what extent one had to have the courage to stand up against public opinion in order to make sure to protect our children? The only thing is, that was swept under the carpet, because we protect human dignity . . . And sometimes if the thing is not proven 100 percent, yes, we are guided by the Torah . . . . we don't jump to conclusions but we are consequent."
In 2009 Rabbi Salomon reiterated “that perpetrators and predators must be punished, albeit not in the limelight."

In 2009 Rabbi Salomon reiterated “that perpetrators and predators must be punished, albeit not in the limelight."

According to psychologist, Michael J. Salamon, author of the book “ABUSE in the Jewish community”, "If you are a mandated reporter and you delay making a report you are contributing to the abuse of others."

A great example of the abuses and neglect of the community leaders in Lakewood include the story of Shua Finkelstein, who was a survivor of sexual abuse who and lost his battle with a drug addiction.  Soon after his death a letter was discovered on his computer, which was made public.  A few weeks later on April 14, 2009 his families home was gutted by fire.  Luckily no one was home.  The police report cited arson was the likely cause. 

A great example of the abuses and neglect of the community leaders in Lakewood include the story of Shua Finkelstein, who was a survivor of sexual abuse who and lost his battle with a drug addiction.  Soon after his death a letter was discovered on his computer, which was made public.  A few weeks later on April 14, 2009 his families home was gutted by fire.  Luckily no one was home.  The police report cited arson was the likely cause.

It wasn’t until Shua was 19 years old that he had enough courage to disclose to his mother that starting at the age of 6 he started being molested by and older male.  After Shua’s death his mother Rivkah Finkelstein was asked why she didn't report the crime to the police.  Rivkah responded by saying the idea of reporting didn't occur to her.  Like many others living in communities like Lakewood, she was given the impression that by reporting the abuse she might increase the incidents of anti-Semitism or even start another pogrom.  The message to community members was that it was best if issues like this were handled by the rabbonim.  Eventually, Shua Finkelstein’s alleged offender was put into therapy.  Yet no one knows if the therapist was someone trained in working with sexual predators.

Going to a bet din (Jewish religious court) to handle sex crimes is ludicrous. The truth is that not one rabbi has forensic training let alone taught victim sensitive interviewing techniques -- which take us back to the fact that by David Pelcovitz and David Mandel not teaching parents in Lakewood to make hotline reports, they are enabling sex offenders to continue on with their molesting careers.

Please help educate the parents in Lakewood along with other  ultra-orthodox communities in New Jersey that if you suspect a child is being abused or neglected YOU ARE MANDATED to call 1-877-652-2873.  If the child is in immediate danger, call 911 as well as 1-877 NJ ABUSE. A concerned caller does not need proof to report an allegation of child abuse and can make the report anonymously.

RESOURCES:

• How and When to Report Child Abuse/Neglect in New Jersey
• Witness Tampering - New Jersey Law
• The quasi-orthodox Jewish world compared to the "BITE" Model of Cult Mind Control (11/06/2013)

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