On the Elon saga, silent no longer

An anonymous philanthropist shared his feelings and frustration with me, regarding the latest saga regarding Rabbi Elon. Here is my response.

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From the letter you wrote me, I sense your deep pain regarding my silence in response to the information that recently appeared regarding Rabbi Mordechai Elon. You specifically emphasized your pain at the insults leveled against me, to the point of accusing me of bearing responsibility for what transpired.

To be honest, I am also pained by what they wrote about me, but that isn’t what truly counts. What counts is the truth, and that is my guiding light. I felt that for the sake of truth, it was necessary to take action, as opposed to just talking.

As soon as I received the information [regarding the recent developments], and after conferring with other rabbis, I delivered an order that Rabbi Elon should not be allowed to relay lectures or host any other public activities for the greater public, and that he should not have any private meetings with youth.

Obviously, following our obligation to fulfill the commandment, “Ve-haya machanecha kadosh, and your camps shall be holy,” we must take every necessary action in order to create a safe, protective and respectful environment for everyone.

Any man or woman, adolescent or youth, who feels that inappropriate activities are taking place around him or her, should, without fear or concern, approach an adult or authority figure who can help them, as required by law, Torah, and ethics.

Furthermore, if I am personally capable of assisting anyone who was injured, they are welcome to turn to me, and I will do everything in my power to help them.

You are welcome to relay this message to any relevant party.

With the blessings of Torah and in friendship,

Chaim Druckman