The chief rabbi of the headquarters of Chabad in Melbourne has resigned amid accusations he led the shunning of child sexual abuse victims and their families.
Rabbi Tzvi Telsner, the longstanding rabbi of Finchley Central synagogue before taking up his post in Australia in 2007, stood down as head rabbi of the Yeshivah Centre on Tuesday, effective immediately.
In an open letter to the Chabad community, he apologised for his controversial conduct towards victims. “I recognise that my conduct towards victims and their families did not demonstrate … behaviour to the extent necessary of a rabbi in my position,” he wrote.
“We all must be aware of how our words and actions impact on others and therefore I would like to take this opportunity to apologise for my conduct and urge everyone to show compassion and support towards victims and their families throughout the moised [institution] and broader community.”
