SYDNEY, Australia (JTA) — Melbourne police are considering opening a criminal investigation into board members of a Jewish day school who helped a former headmaster flee to Israel ahead of allegations of child sexual abuse.
Malka Leifer, the former principal of Melbourne’s Adass Israel School fled Australia in 2008 ahead of allegations of sexual assault on eight girls at the school.
Leifer is currently under house arrest in Israel as extradition proceedings get underway.
In Melbourne’s Supreme Court earlier this month one of the students was awarded over $1 million in damages from the school over the board’s actions in aiding Leifer to leave after she had been fired, and for its failure to report the incidents to the police.
A spokesperson for Victoria Police told JTA: “Police will be looking at this as a broader part of the investigation to determine whether an offense has been committed.”
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
