Silence protects predators, not communities, and Judaism never demanded it – opinion

The author criticizes the tendency within some Jewish communities to prioritize reputation over addressing abuse, arguing that silence protects predators. This pattern is illustrated by the recent controversy surrounding American influencer Clavicular (Braden Peters) in Tel Aviv, who faces allegations of sexual assault and made offensive remarks. The author notes that those who warned against hosting him, primarily women, were dismissed as "emotional."

"Silence is not neutral: it's the exact condition an abuser needs."

The article also references past instances of cover-ups in Australian Chabad communities, such as the institutional sexual abuse in Melbourne and Sydney, and the case of Malka Leifer. The author contends that the Jewish legal concept of "lashon hara" (malicious gossip) is often misapplied to silence victims, when in fact, Jewish law permits and even obligates speaking out to prevent harm. The author concludes that the true "desecration of God's name" is the abuse itself and its cover-up, not its exposure.