Alleged abuser heckled

FORMER Yeshivah College, Melbourne, teacher David Kramer was heckled during a short hearing in the Melbourne Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

Kramer arrived in Australia last Thursday after being extradited from the US to face 12 charges, including indecent assault and indecent acts with a child under the age of 16. According to court documents obtained by The AJN, there are four alleged victims.

In court, victim advocate Manny Waks stood and said, “Welcome back to Australia, Rabbi Kramer,” as the defendant was escorted from the dock following a short hearing.

After sitting impassively through the hearing and even making eye contact with Waks at one point, Kramer appeared startled by the comments as he was led away.

Waks, who claims to be a victim of sexual abuse while a student at Yeshivah College, is not one of the complainants in the case against Kramer.

Kramer was spirited to Israel by the school in 1993, after senior officials were made aware of the alleged abuses, which are understood to have taken place between 1989 and 1992.

He was arrested in April this year in the US, with a judge ordering him to be extradited to Australia to face charges on October 2.

Following Monday’s hearing, Waks told press outside the court the victims were “delighted” with the progress being made in the case against Kramer.

“Today is a monumental day for the Australian Jewish community,” Waks said.

“While the victims have told this is going to be a traumatic experience for them, more than ever before they are now determined to pursue justice to the very end.”

Detective Sergeant Michael Crawford of the Moorabbin Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team thanked the Jewish community for its cooperation, but warned the case against Kramer could be compromised by overexposure on social-media sites.

“Victoria Police continue to encourage the reporting of inappropriate behaviour, whether it is recent or in the past, and take these matters very seriously,” Crawford said.

“We also implore members of the community to be mindful when posting comments on blogs or social media which may be inappropriate, and especially in relation to matters which are before the courts that may harm future judicial proceedings.”

Kramer was remanded in custody and will appear before a magistrate again on January 18 for a committal mention.

If you wish to report incidents that are of concern to you, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

ADAM KAMIEN

David Kramer has been extradited from the US to face charges.