Statement from the Board of Directors February 19, 2015 |
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Statement by the Kesher Israel Board of Directors
Today Rabbi Freundel pled guilty to 52 counts of voyeurism, which carries a maximum sentence of 52 years in prison. The actual length of the sentence is at the discretion of the judge in DC Superior Court. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 15, 2015 at 1:00 pm.
As we seek to move forward and heal as a community, we await the judge's decision on sentencing. The scope and duration of these horrible crimes are still hard to completely comprehend. While the guilty plea is a difficult moment for our community and for individual victims of these crimes, Kesher is grateful for the diligent work of the Metropolitan Police Department and the team at the U.S. Attorney's Office in handling this matter. We are deeply appreciative of their dedication, sensitivity, outreach, and for all of the assistance they provided Kesher and the individual victims. We hope that resolution of the criminal proceedings will help our collective and individual healing continue.
Despite this great betrayal by Rabbi Freundel and our communal pain, we have seen a community that has come together and whose members have leaned on one another for support. As we move forward, we will continue to grow stronger and are committed to ensuring that our community remains a warm, welcoming, and safe place to gather, worship, and learn.
For those seeking professional support, licensed trauma and general therapists are available to you at any time through JCADA and JSSA. More information can be found on our website, including a list of private therapists in the area.
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions, concerns, or just to talk. You can email the Board at [email protected].
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Statement by the National Capital Mikvah Board of Directors
Today Rabbi Freundel pled guilty to 52 counts of voyeurism. As we work to heal as a community, the Board of the National Capital Mikvah receives this news with mixed emotions. We are grateful that we were able to detect and stop such despicable illegal activity. We are saddened to see a Torah scholar cause his own downfall. We are also relieved and hopeful that this will mark the first step on the path to closure for the victims, for us, and for our community.
We thank the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney's Office for their tireless dedication to this case, their thorough review of the evidence, and their sensitivity to the victims and to the members of our community.
With God's help, the National Capital Mikvah has and will continue to fulfill its purpose of being a safe and sacred place for women to perform their mitzvah of immersion for family purity.
We deeply appreciate all those who have and continue to ensure the existence of our small organization by volunteering their time or contributing financial and emotional support.
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Contact Information
Board of Directors - Channah Charlton [email protected]
Shabbat Meal Hospitality - [email protected]
Mikvah - (202) 342-5303 / [email protected]
Please give at least 48 hours notice for appointments.
Children's Programming - Shari Diamond and Toby Munz [email protected]
Social Committee - Rachel Hellman [email protected]
Welcome Committee - Stephanie and Mike Vidikan [email protected]
Educational Programming - Matt Peterson [email protected]
Housing - Yehudah Hampel [email protected]
Gabbaim - [email protected]
New Baby Meal Coordinator - [email protected] or call the shul office (202-333-2337)
Welfare Fund (confidential help for community members in need) - Jessica Pelt and Mordecai Lebenberg - [email protected] or call Jessica at (202) 333-2337
Kesher Parents e-mail list - Subscribe to this list
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