Society failed

B"H

Further Mea Shearim demonstrations took place last night. The municipality of Jerusalem announced that, so far, a damage of 500.000 Shekels (approx. 150.000 Dollar) has been caused. Doctors and social workers are being threatened by the Edah HaCharedit or Toldot Aharon. Every hour there is more news and the question is, how we can deal with the flow of information. People keep on making comments and even claim to know the particular mother.

When I say that we do have to be careful with all the information given, it doesn't mean that I am ignoring the facts. Demonstrations are not a solution and especially some Mea Shearim societies have to understand that some of their members do suffer from certain disorders. Nothing can be ignored or be prayed away. Unfortunately, many Haredim say that, once a difficult person is married off, all the problems will be solved. Mental disorders ? Not, when you have children and a husband. Then you won't have time for all this but be with your family. Getting a quick Shidduch in order to shut up doesn't help but society refuses to listen. Especially not the elderly hardcore of a group.

The demonstrations are not only in order to free the abusive mother but, even more, they are a struggle for existence. The group has to continue existing, no matter what. Ideals have to be kept and no influence from the outside world is accepted or wanted. The arrest and the legal claims are seen as a threat to the whole Toldot Aharon society and not only an issue of an abusive mother. Society, according to a group, is more important, and here, society is in danger.

The group could split into two camps, for instance. Pro - and against the mother. Suddenly outsiders interfere.
What bothers me most when such cases come up that the victims are being left out. Everyone is talking about the mother, the Haredim, the Rabbis but where is the child ?

The latest news is, however, that the mother will probably stay in jail and has to undergo a psychiatric test. So far, she has refused saying any word.

See JERUSALEM POST