Open Letter To Oskar Deutsch : TZEDEK TZEDEK TIRDOF

o.deutsch@ikg-wien.at

office@ikg-wien.at

Dear Dr Deutsch

I know that you have received many communications about the Schlesinger twins.  I do sincerely hope that you are actually reading them and not merely deleting them. 

As the leader of the Viennese Jewish Community you are in the position of being able to exert influence over Dr Schlesinger to modify his totally unreasonable and vindictive behaviour towards his ex-wife, Beth.  To wilfully deny a mother contact with her children is an abuse of not only Beth's but Benjamin and Samuel’s human rights and will have catastrophic effects on the boys' own future developments and relationships.   

If Beth were an abusive mother, an alcoholic, a drug user or neglectful mother, these could be justifiable reasons for denying her contact with her sons.   However, Beth is none of these things.  She is a kind, caring devoted mother who through what can only be described as a less than satisfactory legal process and a malicious, vindictive ex-husband, has been deprived of a mother’s right of normal contact with her children.  

The legal process by which this decision was reached is unfathomable.  A psychiatric report obtained after interference from another judge who is a friend of Dr Schlesinger formed the sole basis of the judge’s decision, that all reports in support of Beth were discounted by the Judge, proves that due legal process was not adhered to. That the Jewish community have colluded with this state of affairs and not done anything to help Beth, should be a source of shame to you. 

Raising a family is a sacred duty to Jewish people, a way to express loyalty to Judaism. Judaism recognises that each parent has something different to give to their children, to contribute to their religious, educational, emotional, social and material needs. In Jewish families, parents and children are responsible for each other as a way of honouring Hashem. Parents are seen as partners in Hashem's creation of each human being, so to honour one's parents is to honour Hashem. To alienate a child from a parent is dishonouring Hashem. 

Tzedek, tzedek tirdof. Justice, justice you shall pursue, one of the most important commandments in Judaism. I would ask you to use your influence to ensure that you pursue justice for Beth and her sons. 

Respectfully yours

Ruth Leveson