Yeshivah College: Institutional Abuse in St Kilda’s Jewish Community
The Cases of Rabbi David Kramer and David Cyprys
A storm was brewing in the quiet corridors of Yeshivah College—a storm of courage that would soon sweep through the halls of justice. For years, whispers of darkness lingered within the walls, but it took the bravery of a few to bring the truth to light.
Rabbi David Kramer, a former teacher, faced the consequences of his actions as he pleaded guilty to multiple charges of indecent assault against students between 1990 and 1992. His admission marked a pivotal moment in the Jewish community of Australia—it was the first time a member of a Jewish institution in Australia admitted to such heinous acts.
The Role of the Royal Commission in Uncovering Abuse
But the shadow of abuse extended further. David Cyprys, another individual associated with the college, was convicted of gross indecency and indecent assault, serving a sentence for his crimes. These revelations were not isolated incidents but part of a systemic failure that the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse sought to uncover and rectify.
Manny Waks and the Fight for Justice
The courage of survivors like Manny Waks, who not only came forward with his story but also took legal action against the Yeshivah Centre, has been instrumental in this journey towards justice. His voice, and the voices of others like him, have echoed through courtrooms, urging institutions to take responsibility and ensure the protection of the innocent.
How Koffels Solicitors and Barristers Can Assist
Today, we stand at a crossroads. The past cannot be changed, but the future is ours to shape. Survivors of abuse at Yeshivah College carry the torch of truth, and it is their light that can guide others out of the shadows.
Koffels Solicitors and Barristers stand ready to support those who seek to claim the legal compensation they rightfully deserve. With expertise and compassion, they offer a beacon of hope for survivors to navigate the legal landscape and find the necessary closure.
