Thread #14 - Shmuel Juravel's Plea Agreement - Sentenced to 262 months in prison
Will Rabbis' Heinemann, Hopfer and Neuberger be successful in keeping this story out of the Baltimore New Media?
Will Baltimore DEMAND CHANGES in the way the community deals with allegations of sexual abuse?
Shmuel Juravel (AKA: Samuel Juravel)
If you are a survivor of Shmuel Juravel and would like to tell your story, please contact me.
Shmuel Juravel is the son of Rabbi Moshe Juravel who is employeed as a teacher at the Torah Institute of Baltimore.
Shmuel Juravel was indicted on March 29, 2006, on the offenses of using a computer to persuade, induce and entice a minor to engage in prostitution or other sexual activity, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2422(b) (Count One); traveling in interstate commerce for the purpose of attempting to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2423(b) & (e) (Count Two); and, knowingly possessing material containing images of child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A(a)(5)(B) (Count Three).
On August 10, 2006 he plead guilty to three counts of traveling to have sex with a child and use of the Internet to entice a child to engage in illegal sex acts.
Samuel Zev Juravel will spend 262 months in jail and a lifetime of supervised release. He also faces a fine to be determined by the court upon sentencing. There is no probation, no parole and no appeal. That was the plea agreement.
Georgia man pleads guilty in FBI child sex sweep in Alabama
Associated Press
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, GA
Macon Telegraph, GA
Access North Georgia, GA
August 12, 2006
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - A Georgia man has pleaded guilty Thursday to three counts of traveling to have sex with a child and use of the Internet to entice a child to engage in illegal sex acts.
Samuel Zev Juravel, 30, of Savannah, filed a plea bargain in United States District Court. He now faces 262 months in jail and a lifetime of supervised release. He also faces a fine to be determined by the court upon sentencing.
"Be warned - out of state child predators who travel to Alabama to harm our children will be prosecuted," said U.S. Attorney Alice H. Martin. "We will protect our children through zealous prosecution of those who take advantage of and steal the innocence of childhood."
In the plea agreement, Juravel pleaded guilty of traveling from Georgia to Jefferson County, Ala. to meet with what he thought was an 11-year-old boy and a 12-year-old boy for illegal sex acts.
He also admitted to using the Internet to try to persuade, induce and entice the boys to meet him for sex.
In line with criminal forfeiture proceedings, Juravel will forfeit a laptop computer seized at the time of arrest.
The case highlights a new federal initiative, Project Safe Childhood, launched earlier this month. The project involves U.S. attorneys working together with local Internet Crimes Against Children task forces, as well as other federal, state and local officials, to fight online pedophiles and pornographers.
This case involved the cooperation of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Birmingham Police Department and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
*****************************
Georgia man pleads guilty in FBI child sex sweep in Alabama
WTVM, GA
August 11, 2006
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. A Georgia man has pleaded guilty Thursday to three counts of traveling to have sex with a child and use of the Internet to entice a child to engage in illegal sex acts.
30-year-old Samuel Zev Juravel of Savannah faces 262 months in jail and a lifetime of supervised release.
He also faces a fine that will be determined by the court.
U-S- Attorney Alice H- Martin said -- quote -- "Be warned _ out of state child predators who travel to Alabama to harm our children will be prosecuted."
In the plea agreement, Juravel pleaded guilty of traveling from Georgia to Jefferson County, Alabama to meet who he thought was an 11-year-old boy and a 12-year-old boy for illegal sex acts.
He also admitted to using the Internet to try to persuade, induce and entice the boys to meet him for sex.
*****************************************
Excerpt from Shmuel’s court documents:
Will Baltimore DEMAND CHANGES in the way the community deals with allegations of sexual abuse?
Shmuel Juravel (AKA: Samuel Juravel)If you are a survivor of Shmuel Juravel and would like to tell your story, please contact me.
Shmuel Juravel is the son of Rabbi Moshe Juravel who is employeed as a teacher at the Torah Institute of Baltimore.
Shmuel Juravel was indicted on March 29, 2006, on the offenses of using a computer to persuade, induce and entice a minor to engage in prostitution or other sexual activity, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2422(b) (Count One); traveling in interstate commerce for the purpose of attempting to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2423(b) & (e) (Count Two); and, knowingly possessing material containing images of child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A(a)(5)(B) (Count Three).
On August 10, 2006 he plead guilty to three counts of traveling to have sex with a child and use of the Internet to entice a child to engage in illegal sex acts.
Samuel Zev Juravel will spend 262 months in jail and a lifetime of supervised release. He also faces a fine to be determined by the court upon sentencing. There is no probation, no parole and no appeal. That was the plea agreement.
Georgia man pleads guilty in FBI child sex sweep in Alabama
Associated Press
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, GA
Macon Telegraph, GA
Access North Georgia, GA
August 12, 2006
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - A Georgia man has pleaded guilty Thursday to three counts of traveling to have sex with a child and use of the Internet to entice a child to engage in illegal sex acts.
Samuel Zev Juravel, 30, of Savannah, filed a plea bargain in United States District Court. He now faces 262 months in jail and a lifetime of supervised release. He also faces a fine to be determined by the court upon sentencing.
"Be warned - out of state child predators who travel to Alabama to harm our children will be prosecuted," said U.S. Attorney Alice H. Martin. "We will protect our children through zealous prosecution of those who take advantage of and steal the innocence of childhood."
In the plea agreement, Juravel pleaded guilty of traveling from Georgia to Jefferson County, Ala. to meet with what he thought was an 11-year-old boy and a 12-year-old boy for illegal sex acts.
He also admitted to using the Internet to try to persuade, induce and entice the boys to meet him for sex.
In line with criminal forfeiture proceedings, Juravel will forfeit a laptop computer seized at the time of arrest.
The case highlights a new federal initiative, Project Safe Childhood, launched earlier this month. The project involves U.S. attorneys working together with local Internet Crimes Against Children task forces, as well as other federal, state and local officials, to fight online pedophiles and pornographers.
This case involved the cooperation of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Birmingham Police Department and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
*****************************
Georgia man pleads guilty in FBI child sex sweep in Alabama
WTVM, GA
August 11, 2006
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. A Georgia man has pleaded guilty Thursday to three counts of traveling to have sex with a child and use of the Internet to entice a child to engage in illegal sex acts.
30-year-old Samuel Zev Juravel of Savannah faces 262 months in jail and a lifetime of supervised release.
He also faces a fine that will be determined by the court.
U-S- Attorney Alice H- Martin said -- quote -- "Be warned _ out of state child predators who travel to Alabama to harm our children will be prosecuted."
In the plea agreement, Juravel pleaded guilty of traveling from Georgia to Jefferson County, Alabama to meet who he thought was an 11-year-old boy and a 12-year-old boy for illegal sex acts.
He also admitted to using the Internet to try to persuade, induce and entice the boys to meet him for sex.
*****************************************
Excerpt from Shmuel’s court documents:
He was in Alabama to meet Bobby. The name on the email headings was Bobby Hill, but he thought his true name was Bobby Adams. Bobby was introducing Juravel to two boys, ages 11, 12, or 13. Juravel said it was not sex, “it was an exploration.” His plan was for the boys to masturbate while he watched. One of the boys was supposed to have brown hair with hazel eyes and 95 pounds. The other had brown hair and brown eyes. When asked about the “j/o and porn” mentioned in the emails, Juravel advised “j/o” meant jacking off.Click here: for full document
…........
Juravel said he had two computers at his residence, one located in the den and the other in the master bedroom. His internet service provider was Comcast with a screen name of szjj@comcast. He advised there were some gay porn movies in his home, but no movies of children. He claimed he is not gay, but has been curious for about a year. He had a male massage in Atlanta once which “came with release,” although he had to perform the release himself. When asked “why young boys,” Juravel responded “I don’t know.” He had some sexual experiences when he was 12 - 13 years old with some male friends of the same age which consisted of mutual masturbation or “masturbation both ways.” Juravel advised he had never met Bobby, and said “we had an arrangement.” Bobby made Juravel cut the bills, three $100 bills, in half and mail them. He gave Bobby the other half at the time of the meeting. Juravel advised he brought a suitcase containing adult porn videos, magazines, and condoms. He stopped on the way and bought the condoms because he thought Bobby would ask if he had them.
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA SOUTHERN DIVISIONThe discussion of the case of Shmuel Juravel has been moved to Thread #15.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
v.
SAMUEL ZEV JURAVEL,
a/k/a “Shmuel Zev Juravel”
MAGISTRATE JUDGE’S REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION
posted by Jewish Survivors at Friday, August 11, 2006
95 Comments:
To the poster who wrote"if you would provide your name, I would call child protective services on you immediately. If you would allow him around your children, you are placing your children in danger" I AGREE 100% with EVERYTHING you said! I am convinced this person is also a predator or finds groping over childrens clothes "okay" under certain circumstances.(that in itself is frightening) Your response to him/her was perfectly said. Bravo to you for pointing out how dangerous this poster must really be to his/her own family.
It is sickening. What is even worse, he/she feels Shmuel would never hurt his own children. That also implies he/she has no clue what Shmuel actually did.
TO THE POSTER targeted here:
I think it is you who needs to seek help professionally. I can assure you, you are in a boat on the water all by yourself on this one. NONE of us want Shmuel to be sent to the electric chair. YOu are so far off with your defense that you sound JUST like SJ defending himself. BUT...are we supposed to have the same IGNORANT point of view as you? I have read all of your posts from start to end and they all sound so much the same. YOu, whether female or male, are showing your true spots more and more in each posting. YOu are clearly an abuser justifying your own actions. AT first I thought you were like Bobby, fighting for the underdog, being the rightous Jew and friend. Then, I thought you were way off base but tried to see your side. I have never posted until yesterday once I saw the signs of a molestor. YOu are being personally assaulted on this blog and are defending YOU not him. You are scared and know if SJ gets that kind of punishment you are destined to be caught and punished equally. I get you now. Seek help. Oh, your poor children.
So he got a litter over 20 years. He'll be out in 10 with good behavior. Then what?
Then what, it is now District Attorney Spencer Lawton's office's turn.
Your charges againt me have no foundation whatsoever. If I knew your identity and this were public I would sue for libel and win. Your charge, bias, is disgusting.
The courts were fair in this plea agreement, exactly what I was seeking, what any balanced, normal person would seek under the circumstances.
I do not know the exact details of what he did. I have never molested anyone or been molested myself, so maybe I'm offbase for venturing opinions. You have your satisfaction, a long jail sentence. Society is safe.
Now discuss going after him for life in prison. If you think twenty years and offender status isn't enough, do what you must and answer for it after 120 years.
My confidence in the American legal system is restored.
Why is it relevant to keep pointing out who his father is and what he does for a living? Do you believe that he is responsible for his son's actions? Should he be punished? "A father shall not die fo rthe sins of his son"! Educate the masses if you will, but leave out the shmutz! It's so not neccessary!
Thanks!
To the "balanced, normal person".....oh, okay. YOu appear real balanced and normal in comparing a doctor appt to fondling a child. Like I said, what you do is not okay so seek help for your sickness and do not act out like SJ did. You will get punished like he did.
I feel the sentence given Shmuel Juravel is suitable. If he serves the full sentence, he’ll be about fifty years old when he is released and his life will still be under a microscope...he will never know real freedom again. If he is released in ten years or whenever, that’s okay too. When Shmuel Juravel is released and living under the court-imposed conditions, he has become his own victim forever...just as all those children and their parent will forever be his victims.
"So he got a litter over 20 years. He'll be out in 10 with good behavior. Then what?"
dogs have litters. get a dictionary.
The Federal Guidelines do not allow for any time off for good behavior. What he got was a full sentence for this first offense, with a very clear record so that if he fails to register or does ANYTHING off after twenty years, he clearly gets life in prison. He was not let off easy.
The court allows him one chance with severe restrictions after the sentence is served. 20 years is a long time. How old is your litter?
"So he got a litter over 20 years. He'll be out in 10 with good behavior. Then what?"
Correct me if I'm wrong, because I am not an attorney, but I have been under the impression that there is no parole in the Federal system, i.e., SJ will do all 262 months before he can be released.
Oh, and btw, to the person I quoted, preview your work before you post, it's "little", not "litter".
To the poster that wrote:
"My confidence in the American legal system is restored. "
The concern is that our children be safe.
I have a lot of confidence in Spencer Lawton's office. His people will review the sentencing guidlines and what has been done.
If Spencer Lawton's office believes that the sentence will keep our children safe as well as children in other communities, and no additional prosecution is necessary, I will be satisfied.
However, if Spencer Lawton's office does not think the community's children are protected, and additional prosecution is warranted, I will support that.
Are you prepared to have enough faith in the American system of justice to have confidence that the Chatham County District Attorney's office and courts will also be fair?
I am prepared for that.
If SJ is 29, he will be 49 when his sentence is fulfilled in total. That is still young enough to be a threat. If he moves somewhere else, he could do this again. I only want to make sure he does not. I am sure Spencer Lawton's office wants the same thing.
If you are prepared to provide your name, then I will have to provide mine to the authorities when I report you to child protective services. You will then have my name.
In order to prove libel, you would have to prove that the statements I have made are false and I should have known they were false. You can do neither.
P.S. I am not the one who has charged you are an abuser or predator. I don't charge that or agree with that and agree that person is out of line.
However, I believe putting your own children in peril by placing them with a known, and now convicted, child sexual abuser is a form of neglect and abuse. I consider that so dangerously reckless, I would report you to child protective services for the safety of your children.
To all of juravel's liberal friends and backers as well as his local atty. 262 months in prison,that's about 22 years..and this was his plea agreement.
It's obvious that the government had more on him then meets our common eye and to keep it all quite,he struck a plea rather then having it all come out in an open court,as to what an evil person he is.
Justice has been served !
Now all of his friends can visit him for the next 20 or so years.
Let's see how long the friendship will last. And with a "friend" who happens to be an atty representing
his client, well, with friends like this, who needs enemies !
with all the issues we have to deal with I think that who ever is attacking someone for typo's needs to get a life.
Once there are no more sex offenders and all of the survivors of sex offenders have healed, then I might change my mind about dealing with people who have typing and spelling challenges.
49 is still quite young for a sex offender. There are some that are in their 60's and 70's. Just daven that Juravel gets treatment in prison and that he takes that treatment seriously. It's really the only hope the rest of us have.
My children were only around juravel in public places, not in his care, before his arrest when nobody knew. They were never at risk. You don't have to report me to preventive services, but thanks so much for caring.
He received twenty years because the evidence was custom designed. They helped him with the three half bills. He received the maximum sentence and I think it's a fair sentence.
If he is prosecuted again and put away for life, we'll never know if he could possibly change with the severe restrictions imposed by the courts. Instead, society will pay for his upkeep. He'll never have to work or worry about Social Security. He'll never have the serious problem of trying to find any employment with a Federal record. Who will hire him? No contact with children, enforced registration, surveilance, all twenty years from now. Judaism believes in teshuvah and imposes death penalties when there is fair warning. This is his fair warning. Putting him away for life, any D.A. can do. Meanwhile, it's twenty plus years with no parole.
I'm sorry,I just can't bring myself to doven for the likes of juravel. I'm not that strong and perhaps some would say that I'm not that good a Jew. As far as I'm concerned, this is Hasham's work with his sentence. One minute,juravel was on top of the world and the next, he had fallen. I truly believe Hasham saw the evil and stopped it. I'm not about to ask Hasham for mercy for juravel. Hasham meets out measure for measure. HE strikes down evil
and juravel is truly evil.
I will doven for all that were involved, family,children ,all, so that they may get on with their lives and find comfort in Hasham's way.
And juravel's mis guided supporters and backers, they are the ones that should be asking Hasham to forgive them for taking up for him and the side of evil.
22 years in prison on a plea bargen. This guy "done more" then taking a trip to Birmingham.
Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaa !!!!!!!
Shmuel Juravel received a sentence of 21.83 years. Under terms of the plea agreement and federal sentencing guidelines there is no probation, no parole and no appeal.
We wanted blood and we got it .. we wanted to bury him..and we did.
Good Shabbos
I'm cynical. I wonder if he took the plea due to pressure from the Baltimore community.
I wonder if there was pressure from the mighty three H/H/N?
What do you think?
The sentencing of Juravel highlights the fact that many who have done worse are still free men because there was no concrete evidence.
"Litter" is correct.
That's just where he belongs,amoung the "litter".
And a word to Juravel's defenders,backers,local "friend" atty, The Federation who donated money to juravel :
You all should be ashamed of your selves. This person, on a plea bargin,"1st offense" gets over 20 years in prison with lifetime supervision, and yet all of you were defending him. Shame on you all. He certainly did more then just travel to Birmingham to have received a sentence like that. The entire savannah community knew what he had done and yet, you few, wanted to defend him. And the federation; sending OUR money to assist him..Last $$$ you'll see of mine as little as it might have been. Now certain people in the community will have to find another goffer to raise money for their wants and desires. Perhaps some of their own children can be the goffers to raise money. "Wanna buy a ticket" as their being placed in the breast pocket !
Juravel has left behind a path of destruction,hurt, and miss guided
backers and friends. To them,don't forget to keep sending him letters, food,money, for the next 22 years and when he gets out, invite him over to play with your grandchildren.
YES, TO THE TOTAL MORON WHO WAS CONVINCED HE JUST WANTED TO WATCH AND FONDLING OVER PANTS IS OKAY AND JUST LIKE A DOCTORS VISIT....BET YOU FEEL LIKE A TOTAL IDIOT NOW. 20 YEARS FOR WATCHING. yEA, RIGHT!
Posting Shmuel's parents' names was defamatory. There have been no allegations to date that his parents had any role in these horrible offenses. Publicizing his father's identity, place of employment and place of residence is malicious and slanderous. I sttrongly recommend that you immediately remove these references and post an apology.
Please stop using all CAPS. My eyes are going buggy.
Thank you.
To the Federation and the people that gave money to Bobby for Juravel: I'd sure ask for your money back ! You'al got sucked in.Juravel's last stance to sucker punch this community and you'al fell for it. Shame on you ALL !
Does anyone know if Shmuel had any siblings? If he does has anyone checked out to make sure none of them have been victimized by Shmuel?
They definately need support if they have been.
To the poster who said
"Judaism believes in teshuvah and imposes death penalties when there is fair warning"
I take Shmuels conviction as a warning to those in power in Baltimore (H/H/N).
The Baltimore trio need to change their ways or they too may end up sharing a room with Juravel.
Not for molesting children, yet their behavior in covering up cases is criminal.
I really wish that facts would be checked more carefully before they are posted. In no way was ANY Federation money ever sent to aid Shmuel. I am not sure how this rumor got started, but it is NOT TRUE and needs to be ended.
" Anonymous said...
My children were only around juravel in public places, not in his care, before his arrest when nobody knew. They were never at risk. You don't have to report me to preventive services, but thanks so much for caring. "
I am glad. It appears you were so intent on minimizing what SJ did that you stretched the truth. I can understand doing that when emotions are flairing."
"He received twenty years because the evidence was custom designed. They helped him with the three half bills. He received the maximum sentence and I think it's a fair sentence."
I am glad you accept the sentence.
However, there are other adults, teenagers, and even children that are predators. Your children are still vulnerable. You must understand the seriousness of sexual abuse and violation. Please educate yourself.
Then talk to you children so they can protect themselves.
This will be my last post. I agree that the American system of justice is working and Joey is right.
I am not saying that I agree with this or not, butlet's be honest, if federartion money was sent to provide him with kosher meals, THAT IS STILL FEDERATION MONEY!!!
Every one was going nuts about Bobby Isaacson defending juravel and joining his defense team. As one poster stated, "with friends like that, who needs enemies". Good work "bobby", without your help,perhaps juravel would have gotten 30 years ; and bobby, how often will you visit "your friend",
how often will you write him . I take a bet that you will forget him within a year or so although
you might keep up the friendship,waiting for him to get out. Twenty years goes by in a flash !
I was looking through this weeks "Advertiser" (a bi-weelking publication in Baltimore). I was shocked to see that the Juravel's are having a yard sale today for "The Hattery" which is their clothings store (see page 61).
I think everyone should call them and suggest that proceeds of this sale go to help reimburce their sons victims for pain and suffering. Remember Shmuel wa a teenager when he was sexually abusing some of the neighborhood boys. I think they should be held financially responsible.
The phone number in the ad for "The Hattery" is 410-358-9215.
will the federation continue to Pay for kosher meals for Shmuel over the next 21 - 22 years?
Federation does not provide for kosher meals for anyone in prison. Please, check your sources, do not rely on what you hear from the rumor mill. No Federation money was sent to help him in anyway, and maligning this organization is wrong, makes it yet another sideline victim of this case. Enough slamming without investigating, people and organizations are being hurt needlessly.
next month is the day of judgement. The molester has been judged, as will you. Time to close this BLOG/
SHUT IT DOWN>>>
I truly believe Hasham saw the evil and stopped it. I'm not about to ask Hasham for mercy for juravel. Hasham meets out measure for measure. HE strikes down evil.
Who will strike the the evil on this page, no one is spared.
Hope you will doven for all that were involved in the creation of this evil page.
This fixation with alleged Savannah Jewish Federation money being sent or used to pay for SJ's Kosher meals is absolutely crazy.
All you have to do is some quick research via Google to discover that there is an organization named the Aleph Institute that provides all the necessary things for an observant Jew in prison - from Kosher meals to tefillin for prisoners and for their sons who come of Bar Mitzvah age while the father is still in prison. Indeed, their website claims that: "Aleph's Tefillin Bank constitutes perhaps the largest collection of Tefillin owned by one entity. Over 1,000 pairs of Tefillin are circulating among Jewish inmates in state and federal institutions. Pairs of Tefillin also are sent to bar-mitzva boys whose fathers are incarcerated and who otherwise could not afford to purchase a pair."
Check it out at Aleph Institute Programs for Prisoners
And as I've posted before, if the SJF writes their checks like the JEA does, then it takes two signatures for that check to be valid. The misplaced belief that the SJF is sending money to SJ in prison therefore implies a conspiracy between the president of the SJF and the Executive Director to run this around the SJF board, which is truly preposterous.
To the individual who treatened to shut down this blog. I think you should consult with the following two web pages:
http://www.eff.org/
http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/firstamendment/firstamendment.htm
I don't view this blog or page as evil. I view it as the good over evil,exposing the child molesters that are amoung us, exposing the evil that dwells in the likes of a shmuel juravel and his defenders.
He has been sentenced on a plea bargin (supposed 1st offense) to over 21 years in prison and a life time of supervision. This was a plea bargin. He certainly did more then take a trip to Birmingham.
Justive has been served. This blog has been an outlet for the victims and their fasmlies and the community as a whole. As another poster ststed, juravel left behind a path of evil and distruction and all were hurt by his actions, including his miss guided defenders and friends. Hopefully there will be a close to the likes of juravel and his kind. To his defenders and "friends: Well, now you can say "one of my best friends is a convicted child molester !"
I personally feel that the Juravel case will never rest until his victims can find peace in their lives.
I also believe this peace won't occur until all of those who covered up for Shmuel make public apologies to those who are sentenced to a life of flashbacks and other symptoms of ptsd (post-Traumatic stress disorder).
I feel the entire community of Baltimore needs to pay some sort of restitution to all of the Juravel survivors. Those who have been victimized should not have to pay for all of their pain and suffering out of their own pockets. The survivors need counseling with people who are highly trained and experienced working with survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Believe me I know what I'm taking about. Referring them to JFS is NOT the answer. I see them as part of the problem.
I also want to continue on by saying that I'm not just talking about those who have been molested by Juravel. All of the survivors family members and friends also need counseling. They too suffered a great loss when Shmuel behavior got out of hand.
The losses to survivors, family members and those who cared about them will be felt for generations to come.
Even with a conviction our communities have lost a great deal.
As long as rabbis Heinemann, Hopfer and Neuberger (H/H/N) refuse to learn the correct way of handling allegations of sexua abuse, Baltimore will continue to be a haven for sex offenders just like Shmuel Juravel.
H/H/N are still protecting individuals like Rabbi Eliezer Eisgrau, Rabbi Moshe Eisemanm Rabbi Yaakov Menken and Aron Goldberger (and I'm sure many more).
What will it take for those who admire rabbis H/H/N to stand up and say NO MORE?
It's not just the Baltimore rabbi's that have been involved in a cover up. It's also the clergy that knew or were warned about juravel in savannah amd chose to do nothing other then to elevate juravel to lead the services, perhaps thinking that he would straighten himself out or perhaps not listening to the warning that go back several years.
Rabbi's should stick to being Rabbi's and not consider themselves an authority on life,especially when it come to child abuse or for that matter domestic abuse. Rabbi's haven't been trained or educated in that area. They think thay have, want people to believe that they have but quite frankly,many don't have a clue to what "real" life is about. Torah is wonderful,perhaps has all the answers BUT is does not take the place of an educated PHD who has been educated in child,adult issues. Being a rabbi goes to many rabbi's heads. There treated like crown princes and as other posters have said, cut the beard, take off the black hat,put on regular clothes and there lie's
the person,naked of all replush.
People should realize that. Rabbi's make mistakes,although I don't know one that would ever admit to one,at least to us "common" folk.
I'm satified with the 20 year prison sentence and a lifetime of supervision. I wonder if Shmuel's defenders and supporters are as well ?
"Rabbi's haven't been trained or educated in that area. They think thay have, want people to believe that they have but quite frankly,many don't have a clue to what "real" life is about. Torah is wonderful,perhaps has all the answers BUT is does not take the place".
I would like to see all the rabbis in both Baltimore (including all those at Ner Israel) and Savannah go throught The Awareness Center's certification program. At least that would be a start.
I personally think that if The Awareness Center would certify a rabbi that at least there's a chance that they might "get it".
I heard that just because you go through the training doesn't mean they will give you a certificate. That the training is just a part of the proceedure.
Many of the rabbi's won't go through the program. They think that they can handle it by themselves. In there closed communities, perhaps there right. Hear no evil,see no evil,speak no evil, and everything will be all right. Turn one another in ! Are you kidding me. Just cover it up.
Shhhhh no one will find out.Just walk about like nothing happened, head down, slightly cocked looking away from all, I don't see anything,do you see me ? No,my faith in the rabbi's is gone. I'll be one on one with Hasham and leave it at that .
If our rabbis refuse to go through the program, what choiced do we have?
1. Sit back and do nothing. Let them continue doing things the way they have been done.
2. Make telephone calls to our rabbis encouraging them to be certified.
3. If they refuse, to be certified say ok, I tried and they said no.
4. Become more of an activist. Change the bylaws of your shul that requires each rabbi to be educated and certified by The Awareness Center. If they refuse, don't renew their contracts.
5. Invite a small group of friends to your home weekly to discuss what you can do for your community to stop sexual abuse.
6. Organize a small workshop in your community to educate both your rabbi and other community members. If the shul won't allow the workshop, hold the meeting at a local library.
7. If all else fails, get a permit and start picking outside your shul
There are many things each one of us can do to demand changes.
It's up to each one of us to stop the "Hear no evil,see no evil,speak no evil" mentality.
Let's stop kvetching here, and let's start putting some action into what we are thinking.
As an orthodox rabbi who has been involved in cases of accused sexual abuse against people within my community, I can say with great certainty that neither myself nor any of the rabbis in this community (not Savannah)presented ourselves as experts or in any way assumed that we had the expertise to investigate the accusations made. We deferred to the local and state authorities who were called in as well as to forensic experts. We encouraged our members to cooperate with the investigation. We instructed our lay leaders to take appropriate supervisory precautions in our synagogues pending the outcome of the investigation.
What was most disappointing to me was the reaction of the community members. It was them who became the "experts" based on what they observed on TV shows and read in the media and internet sites about other cases.
They were quick to condemn the accused and ostracize them even when we told them that it was prohibited pending the outcome of the investigation. They would not listen to reason, but fell victim to innuendo and malicious gossip.
We did not ignore the accusations, we brought in experts.
I am as much an expert in investigating accusations of sexual abuse as I am at performing neurosurgery. Neither was taught in yeshiva and neither is expected of someone in my position.
What is expected is that I will give an impartial and rational opinion that is cogruent with halacha and Torah philosophy.
If presented with a case like Juravel's I could not simply dismiss it. I would however, look to the source. Was it anonymous innuendo?
Why would someone fabricate accusations?
Was there something in his behavior that could make him suspect?
Was he unusual in any overt way?
But it should not be left to the rabbis alone to determine if a claim has validity. However, it is incumbent on organizations like The Awareness Center to present themselves in a credible light if they seek to gain acceptance and be effective.
Organizations like TAC need to have open policies and well known professionals administering to their websites. They cannot remain covert and mysterious talking about "boards" with no published members and officers and administrators with no credentials in treating sexual abuse (Art Therapy?).
Being a certified counselor is not sufficient. Being a PHD or an MSW might be if the training is there.
Certification by TAC is meaningless since they themselves are a coalition with no accreditation.
My authority to decide halachik questions comes from a credible source.
The authority of TAC to decide if a claim is legitimate or not comes from where?
Without credibility, organizations like TAC will always struggle, be asking for money and volunteers and remain on the fringe, rather than in the actual fray.
It is most unfortunate.
I am also an orthodox rabbi who also has a Ph.D. in psychology. I have also assisted victims of sexual abuse for many years. I support The Awareness Center 100%.
I am extremely impressed with the workings of The Awareness Center. It's amazing to watch what they do with so little money. Can you imagine what they would do if we all would donate at least a dollar each time we read this blog or go to their web page?
We all know why The Awareness Center no longer publishes the names of those on their board of directors. All one needs to do is read many of the entries on this blog and a few others to witness the degree of harassment and intimidation threats that are made in order to protect a sex offender.
Unfortunately the reality is that there are those in our community who will do anything in their power to silence those of us who are trying to make our communities safer.
It's been known for years about the death threats made against both HaRav Cohen and Twerski when they were assisting victims of domestic violence. What makes you think the same thing wasn't happening with the board and advisory board members of TAC?
Does anyone know if SJ can have contact with his own kids again?
I am also a rabbi with a Ph.D.
I'm a rabbi with an M.D.
But, only I can say I'm a rabbi with a M.D. Ph.D. and another Ph.D. and another Ph.D. and another Ph.D.
which proves?
nothing
And I am this AND I am that and I have these letters before and after my name,etc.,etc.,etc.
Well after reading all 14 pages of this blog or thread or what ever it is, I don't have very much respect for any of the "letter's."
It's opbvious that there had been,and will be a continued cover up of certain cases that involve Rabbi's,MD's,PHD'd,ENG's,etal.
Baltimore is a hot bed,(no pun intended,although !)
Your combined words really don't mean a thing,I'm sorry to say. Most speak to hear themselves speak and for the most part,don't really know what your speaking about. Self grandure. Break out the Ethics of our Fathers and begin all over again,from scratch.
Most likely, it's been several years since any of the "letter's"
read the book.
I'm a rabbi with a J.D.
Is that O.K.?
I might even work for the O.U.!
My views on halacha are better then your views
My views are better then yours
My views are better on halacha then your views
'cause I eat Ken-L Ration, my views are better than yours."
het, folks, look at the light side of all this. shmuel liked american boys, african-american boys and South African boys; at least he wasn't prejudiced!
I see everyone here is talking about a case in Baltimore. I was hoping that some of you might be able to help answer a question for me.
After I was sexually assaulted by someone I knew I contacted Turnaround in Baltimore. I was told that they were a rape crisis center. I had horrible treatment.
It wasn't until I moved to New York and tried the rape crisis center there did I get the help I needed.
I was wondering if anyone else had a bad experience with Turnaround?
to the poster who wrote, "hey, folks, look at the light side of all this. shmuel liked american boys, african-american boys and South African boys; at least he wasn't prejudiced!" You should have just named names instead. How can any decent person knowingly do what you did in a community like ours where we can all pretty much assume NOW who was abused? Maybe these young men and their families did not want to come forward publicly. How insensitive. Do not come back and tell me it was not obvious who these boys are by just your comment. WE ALL know the age group he targeted so it is not hard to figure it all out. Shame on you for making fun at something so serious. Who said Shmuel was a racist or prejudiced person anyway? Why was that even necessary to point out? IT IS OVER ALREADY!
Okay, okay alread! Your ranting is heard. Please stop screaming everytime you write...you’re so annoying.
I'm not a rabbi but I do have a BBC,OJT,MDS,PBY,and a SFD plus a QRS. I don't have any money but I do have hidden wealth mostly because I'm also a FBC & CRB.
I also place ESQ after my name but I'm not very proud of that !
Now that we know that communities are safe from Shmuel for the next 22 years, what are we going to do with Rabbis Yaakov Menken, Eliezer Eisgrau and Moshe Eiseman.
The three are still running around Baltimore totally protected by the Kingston trio H/H/N.
Menken goes after vulnerable young women, Eisgrau went after both young girls and boys, an Eiseman only likes boys.
Then there's still Shapiro and Fleischman. That's only naming 5 sex offenders in the Eruv.
To poster "Okay, okay alread! Your ranting is heard. Please stop screaming everytime you write...you’re so annoying."
OKAY "ALREAD" I HEAR YA LOUD AND CLEAR! For the record, it cannot be me yelling EVERYTIME as that was my first post EVER and this is my second. YOU SURE MUST GET ANNOYED EASILY. Instead of worrying about my font size maybe you could have read what I wrote instead. You, along with all these other ranting people really need to get a life. If anyone posts over and over on here and is not a victim, you need to take up a hobby. Oh, one more thing, I was not ranting. SHALOM YA'LL
nt to read more from the Rabbi's,the MD's, the PHD's,the PSYCO's,the LOL's,the ESQ's,and all the self important people on the blog. When your all gone,the letters won't mean anything and a quickly forgotten by all. That's a fact. It's all for naught in the long or the short of it. The kittle
has no pockets although some may want to sew the letters on the sleeve, you know,the one arm that you wipe your nose with.
On that last line,"the one arm that you wipe your nose with", Thank G-D, that ends this blog.
Call me in 21 and 3/4 years from now !
Shalom to all
20 years is a long time to be in prison. very lonely. very sad. he could not control himself. there are many people who have these desires. it comes from not controlling our desires at an early stage. for guys out there who look at porn and other forms of entertainement you should beware because sooner or later you will cross the line.
SAVANNAH JEWISH FEDERATION SYMPATHIZERS:
Yes, in the end no money was sent. Thankfully, some rational board members said no when it came for a vote. But, you were trying and that was wrong. If people had not complained on here, I think there is a decent chance that the money for Shmuel may have been approved. Stop pretending. Oh, and now this whole ordeal is over.
I know some people that were turned down for financial assistance when they asked the Federation for funds to help with Yeshiva expense. The request didn't even get to a board,never made it past the office.
For the federation to even consider sendingh money to juravel was wrong. I wonder if juravel's good friend, the local atty who is his friend, will send him money ?
Think he will waiting at the gate in 21 3/4 years when his friend gets out ?
Does anyone know if there will be a trial in Savannah or any other communities where he might have molested children?
SJ had no backers, no sympathisers,no defense, there was never a case, he admitted guilt if anyone was reading the facts, there is no winner, we are all loosers. Bobby is a good neshama that wanted to see fair play and justice prevail as it did. Soon we will all be judged, can you stand proudly by your comments on this blog? Are you willing to be judged by what you wrote, you just may be.
Federation helped me with Yeshiva expenses, and helped with hospital bills for my mom...why knock a good thing. Give tsedaka
I have a question .
Why hasn't there been an investigation into "who knew what" about Shmuel Juravel.
Throughout this blog, it's been said that he's been know about for years,first in Baltimore and then in Savannah.
It's been said that several Rabbi's in Baltimore covered Juravel's activities up and it's been said that In Savannah, a Rabbi Slatus was told about Juravel several years ago. What's going on and what's the real story behind all of these rumors. Did any Rabbi, oin Baltimore or Savannah know about Juravel and if so, why didn't they do something about it ? Will we ever know or it it that there Rabbi's and can do no wrong..Hear no evil,see no evil , speak no evil, and don't get me involved. Any one have any answers.
It's mentioned that there are no winners; we are all loosers. I don't agree. Juravel is behind bars,and to me, that's a big win.
Bobby has a good Neshama. No question about that but he was very foolish. You say he wanted to see fair play and justice prevail.
Bobby's intervention had no part in our justice system and fair play. Juravel was caught and was guilty, with or without Bobby's intervention, which only served his own ego while inviting the community to react with disgust towards him. It's sad that one person thought that he was responsible for fair play and justice. I have far more confidence in our legal system.
And I certainly can stand by my comments regarding Juravel. There were no comments other then the truth regarding Juravel and as you stated, justice did prevail.
I hope justice will prevail to see who,how,why the rabbi's covered this up for many years. They have to live with themselves for that coverup. I hope we are winners in bringing all this to the forefront,perhaps helping to expose the rabbi's for the cover-up.They all have to live with themselves !
Is Gary Rosenblatt (editor of the New York Jewish Week) Being Influenced By Ner Israel, Rabbi Yaakov Hopfer and Rabbi Moshe Heinemann?
http://jewishsurvivors.blogspot.com/2006/08/rumor-or-fact-is-gary-rosenblatt-being.html
I've been talking to some friends regarding the cover-ups in Baltimore, Savannah and else where.
This has absolutely nothing to do with Judaism. This has everything to do with big business and institutions being more interested in protecting their assets then protecting children and doing the right thing.
I don't think those in power at Ner Israel care about anything more then their "reputations". They don't give a hoot about halacha, hashem or the people in the community. Why do we continue to look at them as "royalty"? They are nothing more then people like the rest of us.
The only power they have is the power we allow them to have. So why is it we continue to respect them an allow them to influence our community?
I think we need to start picketing Ner Israel and both Hopfer and Heinemann's shuls. They are all just playing games. Look at the way they have been handling the Eiseman case. Why is he still working at Ner Israel?
My bet is that he's going to just slip away quietly and work full time with russian Jews. He'll become the next Ephraim Bryks.
They all protect each other and their BIG incomes and deals that they partake in.
It came out at Juravel's hearing that a Baltimore Rabbi did call Rabbi Slatus several years ago and warned him about Juravel as well as other people in the Savannah Community BUT because he was married into a wonderful family, because he could raise $$$, the Rabbi and others chose to turn their combined heads and not see it. Hey, don't get us involved. He's bringing in $$$, leave him alone, and US as well.
I would hope that the FBI or other law enforcement agency can look into this and get to the truth,whereever it may fall and whom ever will fall with the truth.
why is everyone in your community so afraid to confront Slatus? He obviouly holds all the answers.
The guy's got the support of all the people with $$$. He's a very
shrude person. To go against him would be going against the people that run the shul. The little couterie of people that have a say,control the money. You might win a battle but surely lose the war. Better to keep your mouth shut and just go alone and along.
how can you folks have any respect for someone who allowed this sex fiend of whom he was VERY aware to read from the Torah and lead other services very regularly? Fire the guy!
The rabbi won't go anywhere because there is not one person in town who has the fortitude or the dollars to not renew his contract.
His wife and her family built a state of the art nursing home on what was once shul property, his kids are married into one of the biggest supporters families and he has a lock on the town. If he says give to a particular charity or don't give, people listen.
He is shrewd, calculating and very manipulative of people but in a "nice" way.
He has shaped Savannah into his vision of a Jewish community and that is how it will stay.
He has hiring/firing power over the rabbis who work for the shul and even in the school. Of course that's not in his contract, but believe it when someone tells you that if you don't fit his bill, you are gone.
Why should he get involved in exposing the son-in-law of a great contributor who himself raises big money and buys lots of "tickets"?
Me thinks that much is rotten in Denmark.
No question about it ; the above statement is so true. A religious
mafia is what it all comes down to.
The good ol boy jewish network. Protecting each other, greed stands
tall and yet they (he) preaches contrary to his actual actions.
It's all about money !
One day it will all catch up and exposure will take place.
He knew about juravel and did nothing ! For shame !
Wait a darn minute!! I had posted that the rabbi is invulnerable and in with the big donors and is the "Don" of the town, but do I think that he knowingly allowed SJ to continue committing these horrendous acts? NO WAY!
I believe that if he had positive knowledge, he would have acted.
However, I do think that he probably did what he could to avoid that knowledge. I am sure that he didn't even investigate (forget about whether he is qualified) the accusations and probably wrote it off as lashon harah.
He may be sharp and manipulative, but I don't think he is a criminal.
Did he turn a blind eye?
Probably.
You go figure out a way to prove that and hold him accountable.
He is a member of the RCA and THEY have standards!
What would they say about a member rabbi who ignored accusations of a congregant who turned out to be guilty?
Good Luck residents of Slatusrabhanville. Hand in hand they stroll together down Groveland Circle, their mutual grandchildren playing in the shining Savannah sun, now safe from the likes of SJ-no thanks to them.
let's hear what mr. religion will say in a deposition....
Who knew what and when ?
Remember Watergate , Enrongate ,
and all the other "gates" ? , now there's Rabbigate..
He was told about juravel over 5 years ago, via a long distance call from Baltimore.
He was told about a juravel by one of his close friends over 5 years ago.
He was called by a savannah atty about juravel over 5 years ago.
and it seems he wrote it all off as gossip, leshon hora so he never did look into this matter. Why ?
These Rabbi's have a way to "wiggle out" of anything that might shed a dark light on them.
I didn't know, I didn't believe it,
I didn't know the source,etc,etc.
What Rabbi's knew what and when ?
Don't we have a right to know. Are they all above the law. Are they all untouchable. Can they do not wrong ! Seems like it. Don't dare enter their own private world.
Who knows what and when...
And of course, no answers and don't hold your breath waiting for a word from any of them.
Ha,I remember when one of the Rabbi's invested a large sum of money with a local person, who said that he would make some big interest on his investment,(an amount almost to good to be true)
(but the greed got hold and he invested).
When the deal went bad, and the person he invested with went broke, the Rabbi wanted or did sue the guy,calling him a crook.
Had he not been so greedy, he wouldn't have invested in the first place. These Rabbi's arn't perfest, although that would like us all to think that they are. They
rule in their own little fifedom's,untouchable as another poster stated.
One day, it will all catch up with them,one day !
Now, anyone want to buy some tickets to the next fund raiser in honor of !!!
If you read this you should contact Ner Israel and ask them how much longer will Rabbi Eiseman be allowed to work for them, and also how much longer he will be living on their campus.
You should also follow up by asking which residential sex offender treatment center he will be entering into.
As much as we are concerned about Juravel, we should also be concerned about one of the resident sex offenders on the campus of Ner Israel
No need to be concerned about juravel any more. He's in Fed Prison for 21 plus years and then a life time on parole..and this was his "1st offense" !
The concern now is who knew what and when. Did the rabbi's cover or protect him. Did the Baltimore Rabbi's know and didn't tell. Is it trus as stated at the hearing that a Baltimore Rabbi called the Savannah Rabbi and told hm about juravel and NOTHING was said or done about it. That was 5over 5 years ago. What Rabbi's knew what and when did they know. Shouldn't we know or are they protecting themselves and their positions ?
Isn't it time that they are held accountable for their actions or lack of action. Are we all pawns
in their hands. Is the joke on all of us ?
You can blog or write all you want ; you can even ask questions but don't think for a moment that the savannah rabbi or the baltimore rabbi's will respond to any of your questions. They won't.
And why should they. To take a chance and lose their jobs.
The only way they will respond is if the authorities, the law , questions them , under oath to tell what they knew and when. There are laws on the books against knowing about criminal activity and not doing anything about it, especially child molestation or abuse.
That might happen if enough people
let the federal and local authorities know what is known.
You never know ! It's all about $$$ folks, big $$$.
Who knew what & when ?
unfortunately,the suits about to be filed in savannah will open up a pandora's box that should be kept closed. what is there to gain by suing a poor rabbi or by deposing him? drop it!
Ask the rabbi's next door neighbor(the one on the corner)-he'll tell EVERYTHING!
"A poor Rabbi", hardly.
"What is there to be gained ?"
Alot. It sends a message to all the Rabbi's letting them know that they can't be allowed to live in their cloistered world and not be accountable for their actions or lack of actions for "chosen individuals".
It lets them know they can't always look the other way ; that not every comment is to be dismissed as loshen hora.
To get rid of the Rabbi ; no , that's not the answer. To censure
him, to let him know that we know what he didn't do, we are the congregation and have a right to a TRUE explination . Who knew what and when ?
We know,do you?
Pretty soon,everyone will know.
Who knew what and when ?
Some people do know a great deal about which Rabbis in Savannah and Baltimore knew what and when and the proof to back it up. I assure you that this information will be released when those holding the information see it as advantageous to release it.
Your right about that. One rabbi in savannah has retained an atty,just in case. Instead of coming forth, they still think that they can protect themselves.
Meanwhile, on the 14th of Sept,according to a news release by the AP, juravel was sentenced to
22 years in prison, without parold and a lifetime of probation, if he gets out.And this was his (1st offense), yah,right ! and this was
on a plea bargin. The Feds must have has so much on this guy that wasn't even brought out.
And the rabbi's in baltimore and savannah are still covering their combined rear ends for knowing and not doing anything about it.
Very shortly, after atty's complete prepairing the case against them, it will all come out,much to the displeasure of the rabbi's who knew. They will be held
accountable, if not with charges but in a civil action that is being prepaired. Under oath, it will be interesting just how they react to the charges.
I thought this was over. Who’s pressing charges against the rabbis? The victims? The parents? The law? Who?
The link you posted is invalid.
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