The Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) is deeply concerned about allegations that Israeli
Deputy Health Minister Yaakov Litzman has obstructed legal proceedings by working to
obtain false medical reports to prevent the extradition of Malka Leifer.
Leifer, an alleged paedophile and former Principal of Addass Israel school in Melbourne, was
arrested in Israel in February 2018. If successfully extradited to Australia, Leifer will face 74
charges of child sexual abuse. Leifer’s defence has claimed that she is too mentally unfit to
be extradited, despite the Israeli courts receiving evidence to the contrary.
President of the Zionist Federation of Australia, Jeremy Leibler said “The Australian Jewish
community stands firmly with Dassi Erlich and her sisters in their Bring Leifer Back
campaign.”
“Leifer’s extradition has been a frustratingly drawn out process which has inflicted further
pain and suffering on her victims. Their suffering has undoubtedly been compounded by this
most recent allegation. We reiterate our call for Leifer to be extradited as soon as possible to
face justice in Australian courts and expect the Israeli Government to investigate the
allegations of corruption against Yaakov Litzman.” Mr Leibler added.
“If these allegations are proven, Litzman has brought dishonour to the State of Israel and
should step down as Deputy Minister and publicly apologise to the survivors of Leifer’s
sexual abuse,” Mr Leibler concluded.
The ZFA notes that this is not the first time Litzman has flouted his responsibility as Deputy
Health Minister in relation to sexual assault victims. Litzman was previously criticised for
visiting Rabbi Eliezer Berland who was convicted of two counts of indecent acts and one
count of assault in 2017.
For media enquiries contact:
Jeremy Leibler, President, Zionist Federation of Australia – +61 417 382 387, jleibler@abl.com.au
Ariel Zohar, Media and Advocacy Director, Zionist Federation of Australia – +61 425 872 296, ariel@zfa.com.au
