Mixed Reactions In Orthodox Jewish Community to 103-Year Sentence of Satmar For Sex Abuse

The Forward today reports on the reaction in the Orthodox Jewish Satmar community to the sentencing by a New York state trial judge of 54-year old Nechemya Weberman, a prominent member of the community, to 103 years in prison for sexually abusing a young Orthodox Jewish girl who was sent to the unlicensed therapist for counseling.  Weber was found guilty on 59 counts related to the abuse that took place over a 3-year period beginning when the victim was 12. Some see the sentence as excessive and as likely to undercut efforts by Brooklyn's district attorney to get more cooperation from the Satmar community in investigations of sexual abuse complaints. (See prior related posting.) Others though say that the sentence shows victims that justice can be achieved through going to civil authorities.