Rabbi Jacobs of Birmingham supports Beth

As published on the Daas Torah blog.

Thursday, April 30, 2015

 

Rabbi and Rebbetzin Jacobs

Rabbi Yossi Jacobs is the Chabad Shliach in Birmingham and Chief Minister of Birmingham Singers Hill Hebrew Congregation. Click here to read more about their work. 

 

28th April 2015

To whom it may concern

I would like to join the Chief Rabbi and other colleagues in my prayers for Beth Alexander to be reunited with her children.

I am unaware of all the details relating to this case but do understand the importance children being raised by their own healthy mother.

I would ask all those involved to do what they can for the sake of Samuel and Benjamin.

Best wishes

Rabbi Yossi Jacobs BA (BHL)
Chief Minister
Birmingham Hebrew Congregation
 

Rabbi Dov Kaplan objects to Austrian courts inexplicable ruling of extremely restricted visitation rights for Beth

As posted on Daas Torah.

Monday, April 20, 2015

Rabbi Dov Kaplan from the Hampstead Garden Suburb Synagogue in London

14th April 2015

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing in order to speak out about and make known my continued concern for Samuel and Benjamin Schlesinger and their wellbeing. Due to the very uncommon and much questioned decision taken by the Austrian courts to only award their mother Beth extremely restricted visitation rights, these two young boys are currently being denied a relationship with their mother.

Everyone who has heard of the case is struck by the acute distress that this issue causes Beth. The reports of the detrimental effects that this situation is having on the twins’ development are an even more important cause for concern. There are also reports that Beth is facing significant obstacles, the likes of which impede her from exercising even the minimal visitation rights awarded to her by the court. All of this only proves to further worsen an already appalling state of affairs.

I would like to add my voice to those urging everyone involved to act solely in the best interests of these young boys. I ask that everything possible be done in order to find appropriate ways to bring about a solution to this unbearable situation.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Dov Kaplan

 

 

Rabbi Zalman Lent of Dublin writes support letter for Beth Alexander

As published on the Daas Torah blog.

Rabbi Zalman Lent (Dublin Hebrew Congration)

 

B”H

Rabbi Zalman Lent

Dublin Hebrew Congregation

Dublin 6W, Ireland

14th April 2015 | 25^th Nisan 5775

Re: Beth Alexander custody

To whom it may concern, 

Although I am not acquainted fully with the details of the case in question, I have been given to understand that a grave injustice is being committed by depriving a loving mother of access to her two young children. 

I have also been given to understand that this is causing emotional and developmental difficulties for those same children.

Unless a parent is deemed dangerous or a harmful influence, it is inconceivable that they be denied access to their children, especially in the early formative years of childhood. A mother’s nurturing role is absolutely vital for healthy emotional growth.

It behoves each and every one of us to do what we can to help in situations such as these, in a spirit of positivity and Ahavas Yisroel, and without negativity or prejudice.

With prayers for a speedy and positive resolution to this situation, 

Zalman Lent,

Rabbi, Dublin Hebrew Congregation

President of World Jewish Congress, Ronald Lauder, visits Vienna

 

As published on  Daas Torah and Austrian Times.

 

President of the World Jewish Congress, Ronald Lauder addressed the Viennese Jewish community at an event held Sunday evening, an informal dialogue with former President of the community, Ariel Muzicant.

Mr Lauder, son of Estee Lauder, founder of the Estee Lauder Companies, spoke about his time in Vienna as US ambassador from 1986 to 1987. Other topics included anti-semitism in Europe as well as Lauder's peace negotiations with Syrian leader Hafez al-Asad in 1998.

Mr Lauder spoke proudly about his philanthropic work to revive Jewish life in Europe and the 17 schools and institutions he has founded, including the Lauder Business School in Vienna. The only problem, he admitted, was that students were leaving for the US after their studies.

'We have enough people in the States,' he said. 'Young people are needed here to build up the community.'

Mr Muzicant spoke about the Viennese approach to integrating outsiders.

'Our community, more than any other European city does the most to welcome in new immigrants and integrate them into our community. We are a community who really care about everyone,' he said.

At the end of the discussion, the tragic plight of UK mother, Beth Alexander was raised with Mr Lauder. The President acknowledged that he was aware of the situation and told Beth personally he would 'look into it further.'