I don’t know what to say about this. Two Israeli newspapers: The Jerusalem Post and Ha’aretz are reporting that many of the most respected names in the Torah world have come to the conclusion that a young Charedi man in Israel is innocent of charges that he beat his baby to death... in spite of his admission of guilt. Not only did he detail the murder and other violent acts against his child but he explained his motive. Yet these Torah sages have decided to exonerate him citing as one of their reasons that his wife stands by his side. There has got to be more to the story because on the face of it, it seems ludicrous. Even the most elementary evaluation of this event cries out for a more thorough examination of the facts before declaring this man’s innocence.
I cannot understand it. These are venerable Torah sages. They are known for their great kindness to any member of Klal Yisroel and are said to be more sensitive to issues like this than the rest of Klal Yisroel. Yet they have declared innocence of this man without the benefit of trial and have completely ignored the father’s confession! One can perhaps understand how a compassionate individual can have mercy on one of their own in the context of the individual’s reputation here-to-fore as a kind a gentle person with no record of violence. One can additionally understand how seeing a grieving mother and wife stand up in defense of this young man might militate for a strong response on the part of these Gedolim proclaiming his innocence. Understandable, perhaps but... wise?
Granting him a blanket decree of innocence in the face of a detailed admission without the benefit of trial is to say the least quite troubling. How can these kind and gentle leaders of Klal Yisroel seem be so cruel... to be kind? How can they allow a potentially sick and violent man to be a father to future children and put them all at risk? How can they assume innocence without having all the facts that would be presented at a trial?
I would perhaps understand if they were demanding release of this fellow into their custody so as to have a Kosher Beis Din try the case. But that is not possible because since the era of the Beis HaMikdash, we no longer have a Beis Din of 23 required to try capital cases. I could understand how they might perceive a prejudice against Charedim by the Chiloni judicial system. But to come out with a decree of innocence without trial and to restore this young man to respectability after he admitted in great detail to the crime and explained his motives?! I don’t get it! Justice demands an explanation beyond what we’ve been given. Rachmana L’tzlan!
