Former Australian Jewish school headmistress, Malka Leifer, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexually abusing two sisters before fleeing to Israel to evade prosecution. The sentencing took place on Thursday, with Judge Mark Gamble highlighting Leifer’s abuse of her position within Melbourne’s ultra-orthodox community and the lasting impact it had on the victims.
Leifer, a mother-of-eight, fled to Israel in 2008 when allegations against her began to surface. Over the years, she fought against her extradition back to Australia through a series of legal battles. However, in 2021, she was finally returned to Australia and found guilty of 18 charges of sexual assault against the two sisters, Dassi Erlich and Elly Sapper. The jury acquitted her of sexually assaulting a third sister, Nicole Meyer.
During the trial, Sapper provided a victim impact statement expressing the profound effects the abuse had on her, including feelings of brokenness, shame, and enduring vivid flashbacks.
The offenses committed by Leifer occurred between 2004 and 2007, while she was in a position of authority at the Addass Israel School in Melbourne. The restrictive environment and Leifer’s respected status within the Addass community made it incredibly challenging for the sisters to come forward.
One particularly disturbing incident outlined in the indictment involved Leifer inviting one of the sisters for a sleepover for kallah lessons, which included sexual education. Prosecutors also revealed that Leifer would groom the students by telling them she was preparing them for future roles as wives.
Leifer’s flight to Israel halted the legal proceedings, as she claimed to be mentally incapacitated due to depression. However, the case resumed when private investigators captured footage of her going about her daily activities, suggesting that her mental illnesses were not as severe as she had claimed.
The sentencing of Malka Leifer to 15 years in prison serves as a landmark moment in seeking justice for the victims and holding those responsible for their actions. The case has drawn attention to the importance of providing support and protection to survivors of sexual abuse, particularly within close-knit communities.
Australian authorities and advocates for victims hope that this verdict will send a strong message that perpetrators cannot escape accountability by fleeing across borders. The sentencing also highlights the resilience and bravery of the victims who came forward against significant obstacles.
The court’s decision emphasizes the severity of Leifer’s crimes and recognizes the lifelong impact they have had on the survivors. It is crucial that societies continue to confront and address instances of sexual abuse, ensuring that victims receive the support they need and that offenders face appropriate consequences.
