Open Letter From British Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis

This was reported here: http://daattorah.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/schlesinger-twins-letter-of-british.html

 

ב״ה

305 Ballards Lane
London
N12 8GB
020 8343 6301
info@chiefrabbi.org
chiefrabbi.org

20^th May 2014

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

I am concerned about the welfare of Samuel and Benjamin Schlesinger. The Austrian Courts have awarded the father of the twins, Dr Michael Schlesinger, full and final custody, with limited visiting rights to the British mother, Mrs Beth Schlesinger (nee Alexander).

The court’s unusual decision to deprive a mother of the right to raise her children, coupled with the limited access that she has to her children, which is sometimes denied to her, has placed a significant strain on Mrs Schlesinger.  More significantly, I am concerned about reports that suggest that the twins’ growth and development are suffering, while the mother is not included in any way in matters relating to her children’s health, welfare and education.

I would ask that all concerned should address the best interests of the children and consider ways to build a better future for the boys.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis