Rabbi Jeremy Lawrence's letter of support

As published on the Daas Torah blog.

Friday, March 20, 2015

Schlesinger Twins: Rabbi Jeremy Lawrence's letter of support for Beth

Here is another major contribution to the growing flood of support letters for Beth and her children. These letters clearly reflect the pain of community leaders and rabbis to the obvious injustice being done to Beth and her children. The only real question is when the Jews of Austria will act to end this cruel injustice. 

You should note that there are no letters supporting Dr. Michael Schlesinger - for the obvious reason that his actions are not defensible.

19 March 2015

Re: Beth Alexander

I have recently had the opportunity to meet with Beth Alexander and to learn at first hand of her

tragic circumstances.

Beth says that though she was able to escape a marriage, where she endured both physical and
psychological abuse, these were as nothing compared to the ongoing injustices perpetrated against

her and her twin six year old boys.

Beth has been deprived appropriate access to the children and is legitimately concerned for their

health, general physical and spiritual welfare.

After her husband was evicted by the police for his violence, the court only allowed him restricted
and supervised access. Perversely, she is now able to see them only occasionally and at a cost. What
she has witnessed distresses her but through he ex-husband’s machinations and allegations against

her, she is unable to deal with their school or their doctors and address their needs.

Beth grew up in England but now lives alone in a foreign land. As a stranger she has found the
community rebuff her in her need, sapping her faith in the local religious leadership and the integrity

of officials who have connived against her.

There appears to be a truly monstrous miscarriage of justice and violation of parental rights.

I am concerned for Beth. I am concerned for her children. I am also concerned for every victim in an
abusive relationship who will learn of Beth’s plight, and thus be scared to speak up and speak out.

As we approach the season of freedom from oppression and prepare to read of the children at the

Seder Table, I urge awareness and urge support for a family trapped in darkness and a family whose

Seder will be bereft of its twin sons.

I join the Chief Rabbi, my rabbinic colleagues and the leaders of Anglo Jewry in urging all who are
connected with this case to do their utmost to address the best interests of the children. May all

ensure that Beth receives justice, given with ahavat chesed, fairness and compassion.

Rabbi Jeremy Lawrence

Senior Rabbi, Finchley United Synagogue