Arabic version: سيريبريانكي يخرج بعد قضاء وقت قصير في السجن بتهمة الاعتداء على الأطفال

Velvel Serebryanski, convicted of sexually abusing Manny Waks in the 1980s in Melbourne’s ultra-orthodox Jewish community, has walked free from court after serving minimal time for his offenses. Serebryanski was sentenced to 22 months in jail, but with 19 months suspended, he only needed to serve three months behind bars. His prior time spent on remand in the United States in 2023 allowed him to avoid further incarceration.

According to ABC News, Manny Waks expressed feelings of vindication despite Serebryanski’s release. Waks, now living in Israel, stated that the outcome represented a significant milestone in his fight for justice and accountability for victims of child sexual abuse within the Jewish community.

Serebryanski, 61, was found guilty of three counts of indecent assault and one count of sexual penetration of a child between 10 and 16. The assaults took place in the women’s bathrooms of the Yeshivah Centre synagogue in St Kilda East on the first day of Shavuot. During the sentencing, Judge John Kelly remarked on the profound impact of the abuse, which occurred in a sacred space and exploited the trust of Waks’ family.

Although Serebryanski was granted a three-year good behaviour bond and is now a registered sex offender, Waks emphasized that his focus remains on advocacy for other victims. He has been a prominent voice since publicly disclosing his abuse in 2011, founding organizations to support survivors and pushing for systemic change within the ultra-orthodox Jewish community. Waks continues to address the ongoing trauma he faces while advocating for mental health support for victims.

The court proceedings also highlighted Serebryanski’s upbringing within a cloistered community and his lack of access to essential sexual education. Justice Kelly acknowledged these factors but stated that they did not excuse his actions. Serebryanski’s extradition back to Australia in 2023 followed his arrest in New York, where he had been living prior to the court case. His release has raised concerns over the justice system’s handling of child sexual abuse cases and the ongoing need for cultural change regarding these issues.