The shocking, recent revelations of alleged sexual violence and cruel abuse perpetrated by the Haredi educator and popular author Haim Walder not only highlight the prevalence of such horrible events in the ultra-Orthodox community, but also offer a real opportunity for change.
Walder took his own life after the allegations had started to emerge and 22 of his victims came forward to tell their stories.
3 View gallery
Haim Walder who committed suicide last month after sexual abuse allegations emerged
(Photo: Meir Salem)
The ultra-Orthodox leadership succeeded in solidifying its power over their flock, through a policy of segregation from secular Israeli society, in all walks of life.
They've enclosed ultra-Orthodox Israelis behind what they call "walls of sanctity," and positioned the rabbinical decrees as a valid option and a divine alternative to state law.
Under the slogan of "the teachings of the Torah above all," the religious leaders increased their power over their communities, pushing the Israeli society further away from them.
That policy enabled the Haredi community to isolate from secular influence on the one hand but remaining a central component of our society on another.
But that strategy is losing its grip quickly.
Segregation allows rabbis to control the minds of their followers, but it is under attack from the internet which is now found to be used by two-thirds of the Haredi public.
Walder's sexual conduct challenges the power of rabbinical leaders. He was the poster boy of an ultra-Orthodox educator, admired by all, and seen as the example of a pure spiritual communicator for the community.
His standing was far removed from that of Yehuda Meshi Zahav, the founder of the Zaka emergency services, who also faces sexual assault accusations, because he was perceived as being on the sidelines of his community.
Now, Walder is revealed as a sexual predator and the fracture in his society is great.
3 View gallery
Rabbi Gershon Edelstein who said accusers of sexual predator Haim Walder caused his death
(Photo: Shuki Lerer)
Some within the Haredi leadership, incredibly blamed Walder's accusers for his decision to take his own life and that position on this issue will surely be punished.
Their sin is evident.
Community leaders who desert the victims violate religious law and the moral standard of Judaism detailed in the Torah. They cannot claim their hands are clean of this sin.
Haredim understand the magnitude of their leaders' failings. It is likely that with Walder's reported suicide, the rabbis who sought to whitewash his memory, may have brought calamity on their own hegemony.
Yedidia Stern is president of the Jewish People Policy Institute and a professor of law at Bar-Ilan University