Statement to be attributed to Aaron Strasser, Principal & CEO Adass Israel School:
“Today Mrs Malka Leifer was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment after being found guilty of 18 sexual abuse offences.
Mrs Leifer was employed by Adass Israel School from 2001 to 2008.
Her offending was a gross and complete breach of trust and it is our hope that today’s sentencing provides a sense of justice for the survivors and helps them to heal.
The abuse suffered by the survivors is completely unacceptable.
On behalf of Adass Israel School, we apologise to the survivors abused by Mrs Leifer, for the distress they have suffered and the impact of that abuse on their lives and families.
The school has made professional counselling available on a free and strictly confidential basis to any member of our community who wishes to access it.
The safety and wellbeing of students remain our highest priorities and we have zero tolerance for abuse of any kind.
As a registered Victorian school, Adass Israel School is compliant with the Child Safe Standards, particularly regarding responding to, and reporting, allegations of suspected child abuse.”
