Jewish Scandal: Ultra-Orthodox Family Breaks Code of Silence | ENDEVR Documentary

Jewish Scandal: Ultra-Orthodox Family Breaks Code of Silence | ENDEVR Documentary
Watch the follow-up Documentary 'Breaking the Silence' here: • Decades of Cover-ups i...
Watch 'Sins of the Church: The Disturbing Transfer of Fallen Priests' here: • Sins of the Church: Th...
Code of Silence follows the parallel journeys of a fervently Orthodox Jewish father and his now-secular son, after the son Manny breaks the code of silence in Melbourne’s Orthodox community and goes public with his story about being abused as a student. Manny Waks demands the perpetrators be brought to justice, as well as the rabbis, whom he claims covered it up.
His father Zephaniah joins forces with his son, but soon finds he has been virtually excommunicated for breaking an ancient Jewish law forbidding Jews from informing secular authorities about other Jews.
We see how father and son split this tightly-knit, powerful Jewish community as we open the door into their insular world of study and duty, charity and faith, power and piety.
Will Manny get justice in court? Will the rabbis be held to account? And, what price will the father and son pay for blowing the whistle?
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[@madeleine7411]

This young man and his father are the ones who are changing these codes of silence. They are brave and I respect them.

[@amberfalvey7476]

God bless you and family hopefully it will get easier

[@JesusChrist-Gives-Eternal-Life]

Very true.

[@angusseletto1511]

That's it in a nutshell

[@Yossilk]

28:35 This young man, Yes! Brave is an understatement. His father, not a good person. I know him personally. And In his own words in the Victorian Parliament Inquiry. "If he would have asked me beforehand I would have had trepidation.......I'm glad he didnt ask me". He also admits that he new about Kramer but did nothing. 16:21

[@shaneo5436]

​@@YossilkWell he seems to be a better person than most in his community from what we saw in this documentary and he stuck by his son. His trepidation was because he knew what they would be facing. The retribution generated by these respected liars and protectors could have turned out even worse without any justice. He admitted his failing and became steadfast and supportive unlike several of his children and family. Do you have friends who see him as a trouble maker?

[@saykhelrachmones8668]

Any community that penalizes people for telling the truth is not a community worth supporting.

[@leighz1962]

Imagine what they would do to outsiders..

[@linda.kopecka.guttfreund]

Yeah...YOU tell Us ...!! WHAT WOULD They do...??? @@leighz1962

[@linda.kopecka.guttfreund]

OOh...-the ,,G-d'' has spoken...! Isn't real and swift punishment of the offenders (in silent) MORE important,then crying out loud -but without punishment executed...??? When (and while) there IS REAL DANGER of escape of the offenders ,and even causing bigger antisemitism...? Talking can be done later,no...?

[@shaneo5436]

​@@linda.kopecka.guttfreundNO

[@linda.kopecka.guttfreund]

NOPE ! YOU are not reading good,what I wrote. One should fight ,but smart !!!@@shaneo5436

[@md2lh9c]

The father's support is amazing. As a mother, I would be so angry that anyone took my child's innocence.

[@Kellycreator]

I’d do time for it! You can see how it’s affected him. He’s not even my Son and I want to give him a hug. 😢

[@nazilatavakoli8571]

Can’t even tell how much respect I have for his dad. He served the community for his entire life, but he got no support as return…very heartbreaking.

[@berthageorge2627]

So true ,so true ....I agree.

[@Andre-wf8cb]

Must we on our own! go with the LORD.

[@polyanthesis]

Yep, most fathers in such a situation only care for themselves. These parents are doing parenting right, putting their children first.

[@shsh-he5qg]

That’s zzionizm !

[@stephenbloch-wb8ef]

The community are sinners of the worst sort and they know it! The ones in charge are beneath contempt and will have to face hashem for lying especially on yom Kipper when they LIE in their prayers for forgiveness!

[@heather4189]

I think it's amazing how that dad stood with his son no matter the cost.

[@lambchopsmith8882]

Well said; I wish more family members were like that.

[@heather4189]

@@lambchopsmith8882 thank you!

[@JesusChrist-Gives-Eternal-Life]

Yes!

[@emmamunro7208]

Ummm so he should!

[@ErnestPiffel]

He did kick his son out when kid started acting out.

[@Julietroses82]

I'm very impressed by Manny's father in this situation. Many parents in the religious world are too fearful to stand up against the sexual abuse their children suffer and choose the more quiet, convenient path of covering up to prevent backlash. His father is a great example to others.

[@Celisar1]

And why aren’t you impressed by his mother who supported him just the same?

[@thebeardedlady76]

I came here to make this very comment. This dad, standing up to the community, giving press releases, being extremely vocal, and not backing down one bit from all the pressure, is a hero in my book. This is how to stand up for your kids.

[@danniet4733]

Wouldnt surprise me if he also was a victim of chld abuse.

[@chanarottenstein9368]

So true!! The father was his hero and did everything in his power to make up for what had happened no matter what!! And that is admirable

[@lizlovesafrobeats]

His father shouldn't be exalted for doing the bare minimum, that's literally what any parents should do by protecting and standing up for the child they brought into this world, it's the most basic parental duty

[@user-yc9vx3nz5z]

Manny was very lucky that his father and mother believed him. And this still should never have happened to him or anyone else. Just awful. Sending love and support to you and all other survivors, Manny.

[@_sowhat_]

Of course they believed him-- they knew all along. It's part of their "culture."

[@JustDaniel6764]

​@@_sowhat_Hmmmm yep

[@donnataylor8355]

Thank you Manny alalso your parents 😢😢😢.

[@sofiyahBijoux]

Mom didn’t seem as supportive as his Father. I wish Manny peace.🕊️

[@dustdust9508]

​@@_sowhat_ no.

[@catherinegillan4404]

As someone who was abused as a child . . . there is a reason they call us survivors, we are still alive. So many commit suaside . . . die from drink and drugs. . . what a courageous family x x

[@matthewcarey5842]

He is very brave for coming forward, sexual abuse must not be tolerated and needs to be spoken out against and prosecuted. We need to protect all CHILDREN in our own communities and not protect unholy men.

[@2okaycola]

Thank you for your support

[@patmax9005]

*yes i 💯% Totally Agree with you* GodBless Them All 🙇🙏⛪💚🌍✌

[@daphcruz1221]

They are not holly at all.

[@sassydaisy123]

@@daphcruz1221 and that’s a fact!!!!

[@emmaphilo4049]

Totally agree with you. Sexual abuse has to be a priority in society. All societies!

[@louisemurray9282]

It's quite apparent where Manny gets his moral strength, His Dad! Blessings to all these brave moral people!

[@kaha6987]

Moral !!!!!

[@utebristow1465]

How wonderful to watch this amazing Mum and Dad to support their son! Shame on the community to support people who abuse children covered up under the cloak of religion! Disgraceful, they should be ashamed of themselves.

[@AngelDeed]

Didn't they throw him out of the house tho? 🤨

[@tanyawade5197]

@@AngelDeed Yes, but before they knew what had happened to him. They made a mistake, but when it counted, his dad had his back. ✌🏽✊🏽

[@stephie4ever]

@@AngelDeed As said already that was before he told them why he had acted out ...he hadn't told them at that point of the abuse

[@goatmealcookies7421]

Silence allows abuse to continue unhindered. Respect to this young man and his family, and all of those courageous enough to break the silence.

[@Obiwan702]

Abuse destroys people’s spirits, their families and communities. This is a good example of it. Props to manny and his parents for having the courage to speak out and not being afraid of being outcasts. Kids want nothing more than to be believed and be supported by their parents

[@mayav4291]

Manny and his father are heros. The world needs more people like them.

[@beesmonk]

Apartheid COWARD SO CALLED soldier

[@philippal8666]

Standing up for a cause that tears down that deep into your heart/ mind/emotions must be so draining. It’s weird, the speaking to the media ‘detachedness’ versus the speaking next to his father, about the impact on his family & just being speechless by emotion. It is the hardest thing to do, to carry that emotion every day, even if you can sometimes superficially detach. He is so blessed to have the parents he does, that when he goes public to the media, they stand by him. And his sister, who although living with her parents due to her age, will have friends and life in the community. She’s brave too, just sitting in the middle of it.

[@mariejaramillo3106]

I agree 💯 percent, Love ❤️ And Light ⭐

[@poppwill7974]

Absolutely - may they continue Tom have strength and courage - so very brave to speak up as this must have been so difficult in so many ways - god bless

[@Summer09824]

It’s so sad they are being ostracised for trying to protect children!

[@helen6191]

How tragic that the victim is subjected to being ostracised from his community and even members of his own family. SHAME ON THEM. Do they really think God would approve of them adding to his suffering in this way? They have everything backwards by protecting the abuser and re-abusing the victim by their ignorance.

[@strawberryfields2680]

So, so sad. My heart goes out to that young man.

[@nuevocapitulo9895]

🙊🙊🙈🙉👎💯❌💯🙉🙈🙊🤯

[@robinbrosky7923]

Cut off this ---- the Rabbis

[@edinacamden4346]

It was so sad,none of the other kids stand by their brother and parents. Shame on them! They had to leave all alone to go to Israel.

[@KristinaTurnerAquarius]

Sounds like what happened to me by my Jesuit Freemasonic family.

[@hilarystorey4601]

So proud of Manny! Well done! You have helped so many children by being so brave.

[@Pureimagination200]

Bravo to manny and his father for standing up to the hypocrites in their community. Shame on those who take the side of the sexual predators

[@aishahussain2807]

Just shocking. Even his own mum. She was very hesitant

[@stephenbloch-wb8ef]

Protecting the perverts makes you one!!

[@AlissaSss23]

I'm angry with this man's siblings, shaming, blaming and marginalising him for going thru a horrible, horrible experience as a defenseless child and speaking against it as an adult. Treating him and his dad badly for trying to save victims and defend these little boys, also for demanding justice for the monsters that inflicted the suffering on the innocents.

[@jessgunn6639]

they don`t see how what they are doing to manny is comparable to an anti semite denying the holocaust to them only for manny it`s worse because it happened to him not his grand father or great grandfather. if they could see it that way it might open their eyes and their hearts

[@barrett7893]

Amen to that! I cannot believe your siblings would do that to you. That breaks my heart for him! Also it makes me angry that his mother is more worried about losing her friends then standing up for her son that was a victim to a child predator!! 💯

[@sissyrayself7508]

This shaming, maligning.. and victim blaming. ALSO goes on in sexual abuse cases where the perpetrator and their relatives are not at all religious In fact, it happens just as frequently in rich secular families, rich religious ones, secular middle class ones, poor secular families..poor religious families, and average, totally atheistic families too. This mental illnessit is not a " religious" problem..as much as it is just an overall total societal problem .

[@HT-rq6om]

@@sissyrayself7508 And it runs deeper than that, spanning millennia.

[@malcolmbest5883]

@@sissyrayself7508 it occurs way too frequently in this ultra orthodox community

[@MLayne]

Zephaniah Waks is truly a remarkable dad to not only support your child but to be vocal while knowing he would lose his community. Every survivor deserves to have such support and unconditional love like this.

[@tobyeperkins5301]

I feel so bad for the whole family. Manny lost his childhood. The siblings lost their family connection with their parents. The parents lost their home, lifelong friends, and family connections especially with their grandchildren!

[@chalinofalcone871]

"The study concluded that there was no epidemic of child abuse at day care centers. In fact, if there was an abuse crisis anywhere, the study pointed out, it was at home-where the risk to children of molestation is almost twice as high as in day care. in 1985, there were nearly 100,000 reported cases of children sexually abused by family members (mostly fathers, stepfathers, or older brothers), compared with about 1,300 cases in day care. Children are far more likely to be beaten, too, at the family hearth, the researchers found; and the physical abuse at home tends to be of longer duration, more severe and more traumatic than any violence children faced in day care centers. In 1986, 1,500 children died from abuse at home. " Day care is not an inherently high-risk locale for children, despite the frightening stories in the media," the Family research Laboratory study's authors concluded." [Backlash:The Undeclared War on American Women, Susan Faludi, 1991, p. 43]

[@Queen731.]

At least the father was saved from death through a heart attack. Model family. All my respect.

[@OurFreeSociety]

The siblings abandoned him from what I understood, so no respect there. I can't imagine 16 siblings shunning you. Maybe they just didn't want to be on TV, but still, they could have blurred their aces out.

[@diaryofanotdgirl89]

So many victims of sexual abuse end up being seen as the perpetrators for speaking out. So for Manny’s dad to support him the way he did was breathtaking and so touching…

[@reneerowland4141]

I am a 74 year old women who was raped by my Father when I was six years old. I have had many years of therapy and am a therapist myself. Still I see thing around me and I judge through those eyes of that six year old. I am blessed with many gifts and am grateful for them all, and still mourn the loss of the child, teenage and mother I might have been without that trauma. Thank you for all you do and God bless your sacrifice ❤️

[@jillruben8924]

I cannot think of any words to convey my sadness for you. So wrong. Bless you

[@williammorgan8346]

God bless you sorry for your truma

[@Bebedollie]

God can and will restore all that and more . I been thro stuff like that . And God is faithful. Jesus died for all our pain and heartache . He can heal every thing 🙏💔❤️

[@ccc4102]

So many of us ⚘

[@gennisparry4352]

Did you tell anyone? Was your father brought to justice?

[@siamsadie]

What courage this family have shown. They continued to stand their ground in truth when sadly the community did not and badly let them all down. Manny, Dad & Mum I wish you all the very best in your futures

[@finallythere100]

A bit off topic here, but the mother looks fabulous for having had 17 children. How can she coordinate running a wig shop?? Incredible!

[@angelicamichelle1646]

May God shine M I G H T A L Y on you your CHILDREN'S CHILDREN

[@angelicamichelle1646]

@@finallythere100 thats what NO drugs , alcohol,smoking and a clean diet can do . I knew a Mexican women with a strong marriage looked like very beautiful and she was older than me

[@finallythere100]

@@angelicamichelle1646 - Exactly, that was what I was thinking. Same w the Mormons who do not smoke or drink...

[@finallythere100]

@@angelicamichelle1646 - Also they are not overweight, which is very important. The expectation of what is normal today in so many parts of the developed world is distorted.

[@petranilla14]

Imagine your own flesh and blood turning their backs. He has so many children and only one around that table. An entire community shunned them even when the perpetrator pled guilty. Humans are so disappointing.

[@user-dn2hh9sc6f]

THIS IS HOW IT IS, WE LIVE IN A BROKEN WORLD, WITH UNCARING PEOPLE!!!

[@lenitaa7938]

Yes, their other Children seemed to be more concerned with own reputation within own community than about what is right and wrong! The religious leaders ought to have called on the whole community to shun the abuser and support this young man! Now, these would have been righteous acts! People look up to their leaders for direction, and these leaders failed them! Conformity is a big thing in such closed communities!

[@fauzianalwoga1002]

Humans aren't reliable my dear😢

[@OurFreeSociety]

@@lenitaa7938 - that's why I don't believe in leaders. You should be your own leader.

[@jennriedy6626]

I tried to give the benefit of the doubt here dot that some of the children have moved away for jobs or marriage. And those who live locally just didn’t want to be in the documentary, so did not come that particular Friday night but out of 15 children no longer living in the house that could have come, none came? So sad.

[@editarumbute3924]

Manny has such a wonderful father. Absolute, sacrifical father's love. So good that Manny has it.

[@tdarons]

A decent honourable father and man. Unfortunately a rarity in our world. If only more men stood by their children and were not either active perpetrators or enablers of abuse. Those of us raised with incest, molestation and then with the cascades of trauma that followed us throughout adult life are starving for real men and real fathers like Zephaniah. I pray he is restored to full honours in his shule. HaShem is watching! (And so am I!)

[@debbie20111967]

Any community that shuns people for talking about child abuse is not a community to be part of. Shame on this family and ‘friends’ who shunned

[@amiedeecomedy]

Yes! Any group more concerned with protecting their reputation over the truth is not only evil but complicit. Seems to happen in EVERY religion. People just sacrifice their children in the name of the lord. I think any parent who leaves their child unsupervised in the hands of anyone else (ESPECIALLY IN RELIGION) is taking this chance. Pedophiles seek out places of worship for this exact reason. They KNOW they will be protected to a degree.

[@laino_a]

La tribu de mi papá es peor.

[@Rye_Toast]

The sad part is it happens across so many different religions. Shunning and silence keeps people in line, you won't step out of line if you're threatened with being cut off from your community. They're kept willfully ignorant so that they believe they wouldn't be able to function outside of their community. It's standard practice in even the most basic cults. I have a lot of respect for the family members here that said "enough" and supported Manny.

[@laino_a]

Ahora que mi padre no está y los que pagaron por mi violación más el sindicato nos leen en KZbin. Volvieron a traer a mi violador y a su familia un unico día para que se rieran de mi en la plaza del pueblo, aguante sus risas como una campeona, seguro que eso tambien grabaron.11 años creo que tenía entonces. Tengo una compañía de teatro en exclusiva para mí sola desde los 14 años de chicas y chicos con trastornos mentales que son capaces de hacer cualquier barbaridad. No me han regalau ni el graduau.

[@laino_a]

Ahora que mi padre no está y los que pagaron por mi violación más el sindicato me siguen por KZbin. Volvieron a traer a mi violador y a su familia un unico día para que se rieran de mi en la plaza del pueblo, creo que yo tendría entonces unos 11 años, aguante como una campeona sus risas. A los 14 años me pusieron una compañía de teatro donde chicos y chicas, mujeres y hombres con graves trastornos mentales son capaces de cualquier barbaridad. Les hace una gracia terrible que siga aquí.

[@1whitkat]

How heartbreaking. His community should be holding him up, offering their support, and care. If they want to assign blame and guilt they can attack the abusers. Stand up, show you're truly godly. The victims deserve justice.

[@FaithandNova]

Many communities are like this not just this one. They support the abuser and shun the victims.

[@warmhandswarmheart]

Jehovah Witnesses have the same policies, namely that UNLESS THERE ARE TWO WITNESSES TO THE ABUSE, pretty much nothing is done. Going to the police is pretty much forbidden but perpetrators are not punished by the church either. Not only are they not punished, they are still given roles that bring them close to children.

[@2okaycola]

@@warmhandswarmheart God is watching all of us

[@toko631]

@@2okaycola you wanna hear God laugh tell him your plans..

[@adriannespring8598]

@@2okaycola He definitely has a large blind eye with the nonstop abuse in all religious groups.

[@mommas2470]

Oh Manny...I was molested as a 5 year old girl by an Episcopalian minister. I am currently 57 an I still struggle with this. I send many prayers and blessings for you. In my case, the minister was killed in a car accident the day he and his family were transferred to another state. I still feel partially guilty that his soul is endangered, and partly joyous that he will never molest another child. To Manny and his family...God is good AND WE YET SURVIVED AND WE STILL THRIVE!!!

[@stephenbloch-wb8ef]

The lord decides whos soul is endangered by their actions not you! You have no guilt! The lord loves you!

[@vociferateforme]

Shame on his community for violating him, his family and their religion. I pray Manny and his loved ones stay healthy and dedicated to their faith and be able to continue to survive in this cruel world.

[@KimDMurray]

No child should have to endure this type of abuse. I admire your courage to speak out and prevent this from happening to other kids.

[@stephenkelly7397]

Should have gotten 20yrs in prison.

[@yolly7846]

@@stephenkelly7397No! He shouldn't have gotten life!

[@stephenkelly7397]

Yes, "I" agree with you, just waiting to see what replies I would get from my comments. THANK YOU. Have a good 👍 day.

[@777Poker]

its their culture

[@shsh-he5qg]

Still rife today in synnagogs and churchees acros the world

[@lucyjones5653]

I’m so glad that his parents are supportive of their son. At first I was really worried it would turn out they had shunned him. A shame their other children cannot support their brother for the sake of appearances. Well done to those parents and Manny for setting a very important example.

[@user-dn2hh9sc6f]

AMEN!!!

[@AshHarrell]

What a wonderful father!!!!! A perfect example of what a father should be.

[@janicesmith1137]

Absolutely Manny, "No one understands unless they have been through it." Proud of you for going public. You are a survivor! Ancient law my foot.

[@fionahislop2889]

He stood up for his son. Exactly as it should be. Shame on those who turned their backs on them.

[@changeisgood9955]

So proud of Manny's dad for standing up for his son against his religious community. 👏🏿 Well done!!!

[@doroparker1702]

The community is not worth anything because they did not help the young guy. There must have been at least ten other boys.

[@eromalandersson5716]

@@doroparker1702 Yeah, and that Rabbi failed him.

[@jeanetteh.9240]

And his mother, as well.

[@eromalandersson5716]

@@jeanetteh.9240 Barely

[@heartquran23]

You're incredibly brave for always choosing to do what's right, even when it's tough. Your unwavering integrity is truly admirable.

[@sasaki_on_aoba]

Both Manny and his Fathers courage is astounding… Reporting assaults of this nature is so hard at the best of times. He knew that most of his community, the community he was raised in, would turn against him, and still he persevered. Absolutely fantastic people I’d strength.

[@lynnemcnab1500]

The world needs more Manny's to stand up like he has.

[@2okaycola]

Then our community has to support survivors bc we don’t have a family or friends who will

[@valdirmertchaikovsky2290]

Nice one as a victim you did the right thing bless you and your family. I am still fighting for justice.

[@dragking9564]

They don't go on rumspringa to sit around for koumbyah though either

[@dawnglessner7432]

It’s sad that the fear of a community can make people in a community to shun the victims. It’s so wonderful that this family is making a difference.

[@dragking9564]

They're making a big difference, maybe I'll come back from rumspringa too

[@sarahsnowe]

@@dragking9564 Sorry you had to go through that. I hope you publicize this outrage so that more religious delusionals (not just Amish) realize that such practices are child abuse and coercion.

[@binkytube]

Religion's thin veil revealed.

[@Philip-bk2dm]

Manny's mom is a trip! All those children but still full of energy, spirit, and fun. Hat's off. With good parents like that, Manny found his courage.

[@nairadevi2182]

Manny and Zephaniah - you two are such big heroes!!! Your actions bring justice even to those who are not as fortunate to have both the support and retribution for abuse subjected to them. ❤

[@bethgriesauer3825]

Manny's parents have so much positive energy...and that's after raising 17(!) children. His mom looks amazing!

[@TheStar798]

I don't mean to be irreverent or rude, but my goodness, what do her insides look like!?! 😂 She must be exhausted!!

[@druid139]

The poor woman must have been in a permanent state of pregnancy!

[@EchoDot-dj9qz]

Your right she is radiant. I wish healing for her son, husband and family.

[@yvettejones4249]

Amazing story. Thank you, Manny, for speaking up against that guard. You have saved countless other children without knowing it. Had it not been for you, that martial arts teacher would have done it repeatedly for years.

[@finallythere100]

In Christianity we have New Testament verse Matthew 5:11 - the meaning being: blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness. MANY children will now benefit as a result of not only the limited imprisonment but by the broader awareness in the community, and hopefully the preventative measures put in place. They seem like a really. nice family. .

[@yvettejones4249]

@@finallythere100 Yes but to shun his father from reading and from attending the synagogue was absolutely unfair and hypocritical. His father can celebrate and read at home with his family, maybe find another synagogue. The reason they might be shunning him is because some of them might have abused children themselves. Why would you shun a father who is trying to protect his child. Matthew 19:14 "suffer little children and forbid them not, to come unto me, for such is the kingdom of heaven."

[@mariejaramillo3106]

Well Said ,Many Blessings to you.

[@katiedotson704]

At the beginning of the video, Manny talks about his Father's lack of visible affection, but displayed no malice, taking into consideration that there were 17 children. But when the time came for this man to show his true colors, he came out shining like a star.

[@latoyapayne1907]

Strength and love to this family. You can see the hurt in their eyes. It's hard to lose community, but may G-d bless you for your bravery. You've saved countless children.

[@nllee7051]

These are fantastic parents. Yes it's hard to be shunned by a community but standing up for your kid is more important than the community. The community doesn't see its own faults for shunning you. Children and vulnerable persons must always be protected and that is what these parents are showing. You are showing the world what it's like to stand by your child and your child is very brave to make something positive out of all of this. People that shun you are not people worth your time. The community has failed your family because people that were trusted failed to do their jobs for their own motives and negligence and crime were looked over for the sake of saving face...and that is not worth destroying a life.

[@lisamoriarty6244]

Unfortunately the criminal perverts were helped, encouraged by their religious leaders and followers. Sinners

[@squishy_cat2]

The mother could be better. She way more sympathizes with the fear than her own son and is only lucky to be considered good because she is dragged along next to his father. It's noticeable when she is getting upset with the father over trivial things that are kinda true or rightful and it's honestly probably because if not for being dragged along the mother would be in the same boat as the people the father is insulting(aka not specifically the perpetrators but the ones shunning the victims and supporters).

[@seanpritchard582]

​@@squishy_cat2totally agree with you. When she flys off the handle cos he calls them animals! Stick up for your son and husband woman!

[@emerald7857]

@@squishy_cat2I thought that from how she reacted to him being calling them animals. They clearly were acting like animals who lack free will & move like a herd

[@stephenbloch-wb8ef]

The "community are sinners of the worsr sort! They co sgned a pervets actions! Hashem demands justice!!!!!You AII failed******** Snners!!!!

[@Whippy99]

Zephaniah Waks put his child before everything else. I have nothing but admiration for him. My dad would do the same. It has given me strength my whole life. He’s now 90 and I’m 63 - he would still do it. Zephaniah’s children will take strength from this, too. ❤

[@gabrielamora6265]

They decided to raise their children in that cult.

[@lenitaa7938]

@@gabrielamora6265Sexual abuse occurs in all religions and ideologies! It’s a human issue!

[@gabrielamora6265]

@@lenitaa7938 Religions protect abusers and shame the victims. By now it is well known that religions institutions are rife with that kind of behavior and the leaders are more interested hiding the truth than stopping the criminals. Children that grow up in religious environments are subjected to indoctrination which makes them more vulnerable to predators, especially if they are in positions of religious authority. They are taught that religious leaders are acting with god's authority and to obey those in power without questioning. A child brought up with an innate sense of self worth, not beholden to the approval of a capricious deity or told that religious officials are by definition above reproach is at least more likely to speak up when goes wrong. Parents who actually care more for their children than the reputation of an institution are more likely to raise the alarm, instead of trusting the very institution that allowed the abuse to happen to solve the issue.

[@stevemaye2808]

It's not a human issue as you're trying to phrase it. Sexual Abuse is the creation and practice of The European Society of Humanity! White People will never teach that part of truth and definitely will not accept it in the non-elite sector! Hard to be the Superior Race when history shows different!

[@james68664]

Do you support genocide?

[@kevinmartin3523]

This is an incredible story of bravery and resilience. Sexual abuse occurs in almost every religious group and is covered up by the elders. Bravo to this family for sacrificing it all in order to save others from these abusers. God is watching!

[@iamcalledirenechaliz-lopez]

Many people refuse to accept that who & what they believed in all their lives have done something so evil. Open ur eyes & accept that evil knows no boundaries…

[@hitchheike2]

Applause to Manny and his dad. We need more people like you in our world 🌎

[@user-dn2hh9sc6f]

I CERTAINLY AGREE!!!

[@LuvuluvuLaChic]

Man this was freakin heartbreaking...But as a child abuse survivor myself, both sexual and physical...and as someone who knows what is feels like for the adults around u to turn and blind eye...I would like to Thank You for all of your courage and sacrifice...💕

[@kathidori8504]

May you get healing from you injuries and justice. May you get a peaceful life.

[@moiragruss1918]

Thank you too for inspiring others... 🤩

[@nanisangster8014]

S

[@barrett7893]

God bless you and God watch over you.. I hope they pay and or judged in this life.. But I promise you in the next life they will be judged and they will suffer for eternity. God knows everything and God sees everything… 💯 It breaks my heart that you’re a victim and you had to endure that. I pray for you in Jesus name.. God bless you 100 times over..

[@daviedood2503]

❤😎

[@jenhernandez5450]

The fact that the Father and Mother believed in him and fought with him is amazing!!! This is what parents should be… good thing he had his justice. For me 8 years is not enough, it could have been better if its longer

[@noplansplease4345]

heart breaking that these two men who are hero's be excommunicated from their community. They have saved many people's children of that same community from abuse. What an amazing family, mama included. Her fear is authentic and reflects the amount of courage it must have taken for her men to push forward and break the cycle. Wishing them peace and connection.

[@heathercontois4501]

The community members who disapprove of them bringing this into the open are part of the reason why predators get away with their crimes in environments of silence, such as these. This is why there is so much predation in religious communities in general.

[@MarekzAnglii]

Actually, whenever a Catholic priest is discovered to have committed child abuse, the Catholic community ALWAYS condemns the abuser and demands justice. The community never ostracizes the victim or his/her family, on the contrary.

[@micheledavis7591]

@@MarekzAnglii I went to a Catholic school for 12 years and every time there was any suspicion of abuse, the priest was transferred out to a different parish. No charges or police were involved. It's only in the last couple decades that they are reported and charged.

[@truthhurts2879]

@@MarekzAnglii lol, my self and several sisters would disagree with you. Ireland treated its victims of sexual crimes horrifically and we had to fight every step of the way for decades for some semblance of justice.... No matter how small. Our priests, nuns turned on us, it took 12 years for the pope to even acknowledge the events.

[@RoseNZieg]

from what i heard, justice was usually served by transferring the abuser to another place where he could abuse others. they should have cloistered the abuser so he could "pray" for his soul for all eternity.

[@MarekzAnglii]

@@truthhurts2879 You should have noticed, that I intentionally did NOT say 'the Church', I said the Catholic community.

[@lostpelican1883]

I will never understand why a community would prefer to harbor abusive people rather than oust them. There would be no "scandal" then, the community would actually gain a more positive reputation. Any community refusing to do this deserves whatever suspicion they receive. I wish this young man and his family the best.

[@lucianaromulus1408]

Exactly. It's no Religions fault that predators exist...they exist all over the world in every religion, race, etc...what I will judge is their reaction to such.

[@MRR-mw4rv]

Admitting they were wrong AND enabled years of abuse is also extremely difficult for individuals and an organization. Things are not often logical and driven by the fear of admitting their wrongs. Ironically enough they are too afraid to confess their sins.

[@mariussielcken]

Stockholm syndrome

[@RoseSharon7777]

Because of the backlash from within the group. Unbelievable pressure and desire to be accepted. I had a minor incident from an adult happen to me at church as a 12 year old and told my mother. She pretended not to hear me and never said a word about it. Not to me, or the church leadership. People don't like thier sacred cows messed with not even from thier own children.

[@Name-oz4lq]

One of the main issues is that a lot of these predators are in positions of power & well respected in their community.

[@Garbo77777]

I could see the stress in he’s father and it didn’t surprise me when he had a heart attack ..very brave strong and loving family ..god bless you all 🙏🙏🙏

[@iblackboxitt]

So proud of your strength and the fact that your parents stood by you in this! I’m so glad your story is told for the world because people need this courage!

[@yvettejones4249]

This poor man was yearning for help from an adult, from their mother or father but no one listened. Parents please if your child tells you they are uncomfortable or all of a sudden do not want to be alone with a teacher or priest or rabbi TRUST YOUR CHILD AND KEEP THEM HOME. Don't be selfish just because you want to leave and have time for yourself. I would have killed somebody.

[@barrett7893]

Amen to that! He was doing everything he could to get peoples attention. I pray for him. I asked God to watch over him and protect him in Jesus name. And also to heal him and help him on his way getting over this. 💯

[@brendapaul5950]

I am so glad Manny took his power back, that he stood strong. Sorry that mom and dad needed to move and grateful that dad survived the cardiac issues. It never ceases to amaze me of how religious communities sanction child molestation and other crimes against children. This is a global issue.

[@cookinggerson4000]

The crimes ARE N O T sanctioned. They are 1st delt with, within the community. If no justice or report is forthcoming, the police n secular courts are to be approached.

[@barrett7893]

Amen that is it!! They are so many Religions that are getting away with this. They are covering it up! Just look at the Jehovah witnesses. They actually Excommunicate people if they go to the police and file a report then come to the three elders in the kingdom hall. They excommunicate people for doing that! That means they can no longer have any contact with they friends or family and They are completely cut off with their community!! They also have a thing called two witness role. If there’s not two witnesses they will not do anything. And so many predators have gotten away with this and they just move them to a different congregation!! And the new congregation is not even aware of what this person has done in the past until it’s too late!! It makes me sick. And shame on them!! They will be judged in the next life and they will pay a great price for this. God sees everything God knows everything… 💯 The kingdom hall has actually began to fix it where if you sue them for liability you don’t get anything. They actually fix that a couple years ago because They had so many people sue them over sexual misconduct or child abuse!! The same people who sued them also sue them for excommunication. Where they can no longer have any contact with their family or friends or anyone in our community. And their family will go along with it even their friends. They will not have any contact with them any longer because they’re scared they also may be excommunicated!! 😢 😢 😢 They won’t even speak to you if they see you at Walmart they will bypass you like they can’t see you!! 💯

[@intensepassion3382]

Every group has a code of silence, do not be misinformed. Thank you Manny for speaking forward, prayerfully children will be protected.

[@ritakarwinski1878]

So proud of this wonderful family , standing up for what's right. As for the bullies in their community they are shameful and cowards.

[@iamcalledirenechaliz-lopez]

Fr….

[@kristinaanderson4160]

The subject matter of this documentary is tragic but what I find heartwarming is this genuinely loving and affectionate relationship between this couple with 17 kids!! Amazing

[@debrafirestone861]

If my child was abused I would not care about any religion my child comes first

[@rosbell5113]

It tells us in the Bible God hates religion, He wants our hearts.All religion is man made. God give us a moral code to live by, Just like a parent teaches right from wrong to our children. God is our Heavenly Father. God is love, He give us his Son to rescue us from this mess age we’ve created for ourselves. Jesus is the way the truth the life. He give his life for you.

[@lvgeeco7121]

When you are brainwashed and indoctrinated into religion most people don’t have tools to take the proper steps

[@louisebb4183]

If you lost them defending your child the never been your friends !

[@KarmaKutie1]

What an amazing Father and an amazing Son. Almost any man can biologically become a father, but risking your life and faith for JUSTICE is simply AMAZING!! Bless you both

[@calussier1]

This is the story of how to turn shame into courage, how to turn wounds into strenght. You have all my respect! ❤️

[@meandxui.6239]

Manny lucked out when it comes to his parents. Their love for him is palpable and he is lucky to have them. Manny you are a hero!!!!

[@katrinarepine3879]

It takes a large amount of courage that can only come from deep within yourself to be able to speak out about abuse. I’m also a survivor of sexual abuse and it destroyed my world and made life so unbearable I tried to end things. I’m glad I didn’t because I’m now married to an amazing man with 3 amazing kids and getting help for it. I commend Manny and his father for speaking out. Things like this should never be swept under the rug and those guilty should be held accountable. I still believe in the saying, "if you see something, say something.

[@heatheralvarado2958]

Props to Manny and his parents❤It’s hard enough to stand up for yourself, but to have to take on all the other is incredibly brave. Reminds me of my big Irish Catholic family. Back in the day, no one dared question the priests.

[@user-dn2hh9sc6f]

THANK GOD, ALL THIS HAS CHANGED, FOR THE SAKE OF THE INNOCENT, ABUSED CHILDREN!!! JESUS, FATHER AND HOLY SPIRIT GRIEVE WHEN THEIR CHILDREN ARE ABUSED, AMEN!!!

[@SenseiOwens]

I can't stop the tears. So much love and support from his dad. I was a victim of abuse and never told my parents. They died not knowing my pain. Thank you for showing us your bravery and solidarity. I am so sorry your church needs to have this paranoia and that it continues. Bless you

[@4haruchan]

You are brave for adressong this too. Im sorry you had to go through this but its not the victim's responsibility to take account on the matter, thats why we need to ensure children are safe because its so difficult to tell something like this. I hope you are safe now and find help in the people that soround you, you deserve healing ❤

[@createone100]

🙏🏻💖🌟💕

[@susanrobinson3745]

🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@janrylo5137]

What a courageous family! You are all amazing! I am a sexual abuse survivor so I feel your pain as it’s affecting my family too as we are also in the middle of a 2 year court battle with my abuser so stay strong because lots of people are behind you. Sending you all strength and love 🙏🏻💜

[@lucyjones5653]

Best of luck to you. I’m so sorry you went through such a horrific, incomprehensible trauma. Sending love and strength xx

[@janrylo5137]

Thank you so much Lucy💜I turn my trauma into strength and protection so my children or any other child never bare the mental scars I carry🙏🏻

[@moiragruss1918]

In my eyes, you too are a hero Jan. Never forget the others you have saved and inspired. 🤩🥰

[@janrylo5137]

@@moiragruss1918 thank you so much Moira💕my mum always tells me how strong I am for making sure my own children never got abused and how I’m saving others in the future by hopefully putting my own abuser behind bars were he belongs🤞🏻thank you again for your kind words 🙏🏻they mean a lot to me🙏🏻💜

[@jessicacossin6282]

Good on you for standing up to the worst abuse! Don't know you but I'm proud, sending all my prayers to you.

[@marcia6190]

Total admiration and deep respect for Manny and his parents! May God bless them and keep them!

[@veryvanilla-fn3ut]

It’s extraordinary that some family members will put image before helping their son heal and protecting other children. Its toxic. Nothing would stand in the way of justice for my son

[@RheannaKennedy]

I will never understand why so many turn their backs on the brave souls that pedophile's try to claim as their victims. It makes no sense at all and imo they are just as guilty because their actions lead to more crimes being committed.

[@ryanmoore6259]

It's because they care about the community's image more than justice. Going public reflects badly on the community so they hope to just ignore it.

[@kathidori8504]

​@@ryanmoore6259 And maybe the amount of donations could go down.........

[@philippal8666]

I don’t know (I’m in the UK) but we would have those who knew and didn’t report prosecuted. ‘Perverting the course of justice’ which would come under intimidating a witness. Although it has to be child neglect/abuse to not listen to the children, and keep it ‘within the community’.

[@jessgunn6639]

like all religious groups, it might start off with the best or worst of intentions but because of how they operate they all end up in the same place corrupted by power and image, offering the perfect hiding place for these perverts

[@IslamRespect_WOMENsigma]

No it would mean more anti semitic hate for one rotten apple as it has been for hundreds of yeRs

[@lindamerritt5242]

so sad that so many religious people (of all religions) would place a single man above the principles of what is wrong in God's eyes and allow such power to silence victims within a place that is supposed to be sacred...

[@carolynjohnson5540]

People will believe a lie much quicker than the truth

[@beccagee5905]

I agree, I wouldn't want to face our creator with protecting a criminal rather than the victims.

[@adriannespring8598]

The true fragility of religion is its hypocrisy & cruelty for its own survival.

[@johnwilliamnicholson8213]

Hello Linda ,how are you doing?

[@dragking9564]

Yeah, especially them widows and orphans religion.

[@Mello488]

Manny has such a wonderful and supporting parents, specially his father. Manny is as brave as his father. It is actually difficult to come out of such strict community and speak about child abuse. But, he did and made it. Unfortunately the punishment for the abuser is too lenient. He should be behind bar for the rest of the life. It is actually sad and shocking that the community stayed far from this family who stood for the right and justice. Every religion teaches about right, justice, love, compassion and truth.

[@MrJpm1989]

My heart goes out to Manny and his family. Shame on the community that turned their backs on them. The abusers got off way too easy, but hey its not over, and hopefully, wherever they go after this life, they will then start to pay for what they have done

[@neddymerrill]

It shouldn't be mildly surprising at this point that sexual and physical abuse is rampant in hardcore religious schools, like yeshivas/madrasas, and insular religious communities (jehovah's witnesses, mormons, hasids etc.) It has been going on consistently in those institutions for as long as they have existed.

[@leonieromanes7265]

Sexual abuse is about power and control. Fundamental religion is about power and control.

[@colleenobrien8212]

It’s happening everywhere! It is a societal problem happening worldwide. Families, churches, schools, you name it!

[@lindastrang6755]

It happens everywhere there are children.

[@Peaceful-Sheep]

It happens everywhere, not just religious institutions. P3do files are drawn to places where there are children without their parents direct supervision. It's more common than you would think. Activists within this group ( NAMBLA) have been fighting for the right to have p3do fil ia as a protected sexual classification..lgbtp. People are shocked when this comes to light within a religious group, unaware this issue happens across all walks of life. 🤮

[@terreciakennedy3265]

Not surprised Just angered.

[@DorianCairne]

I can't believe some of Manny's own siblings didn't support him. This kind of insulation from the world isn't good for any group.

[@amalh1063]

Yes, This is not normal or being religious person its being controlled by cult

[@kimglover6968]

Manny what you have done is one of the bravest thing's you'll ever do in your life. As a victim myself, I know how hard it is to speak your truth. I'm so proud of you. Thank you for telling your story and giving hope to those that aren't strong enough YET. You have paved the road for them. Your children are lucky to have a father that isn't afraid to do the right thing.

[@kimglover6968]

Also, your dad, is amazing! What an example he is.

[@kimglover6968]

I hope your father is doing well in his recovery.😢

[@somrahprincess1]

The father is also a fighter. He stood by his son.

[@jennk2199]

I so love the support of Manny's father for him!! I wish nothing but success for him and his cause! Shalom Shalom for the whole family!

[@marcywolters6402]

I was ostracised by my parents for saying what my brothers and their friends did to me from 3 to 11. My sisters bullied me even though it happened to them and my brothers didnt stop with me. They destroyed me. Only when my younger brother came out did anything changed towards the one who started it all. My father knew and did nothing. My mother told me Iwas a lier. Oh the tellings I could say. I have a better life now. Even though Idon'thave as much as my abusers, I have peace. At 61 in a few days basically homeless, unlike my brothers, watching this it is good to see some get justice. Well done.

[@avianlezama8075]

I am so happy you found peace. God bless.

[@marcywolters6402]

@@avianlezama8075 thanks. God is good. Didn't know how much until a few years ago.

[@thearchitect8974]

I’m so sorry for you but thank God this gives you a bit of relief 🙏🏻 Hope you found a new home by now! 🤗

[@marcywolters6402]

@@thearchitect8974 no haven't found a place to call mine yet. Whatever God has planned for me on this planet is unknown to me. However needs are met. God is good. Living in God's hands. Grateful for what I have. Looking forward to the return of Jesus to take us home where I never have to move away from ever again. 😊

[@empressnannah3830]

I hope things are better for you now my dear? Please let me know

[@lynnfaulkner2706]

I have such deep respect and admiration for Manny and his parents, who know and demonstrate that doing what is right should be the first tenet of religion. Without that, nothing else matters.

[@berthaz2583]

If you lost your friend of 30 years, they were never your friends. Find new honest friends who will be by you rain or shine. Wishing you the best to you and your family.

[@annslevin7137]

So delighted for this family , God is good, the truth prevails, Manny is a brave hero this comes from Northern Ireland

[@canmima6529]

This is exactly when a religion becomes a cult. God has absolutely nothing to do with these types of beliefs and behaviours. When a member has been hurt a true religious community will support him/her.

[@janicetilley5540]

Totally agree with you. I couldn’t have said it better.

[@AngelDeed]

There is no 'true religious community' that's called a no true scotsman fallacy. Every religious community is a religious community.

[@roseaduke8835]

You mean/meant "a true *godly* community"?

[@arleneparris3446]

@@roseaduke8835 👏🏆

[@LightBeing369]

Sad, but true

[@evija0802]

Abuse should not be a taboo, in ANY relious community! Its unacceptable. Brave, wonderful family! Best of luck!

[@iamcalledirenechaliz-lopez]

Fr

[@lenitaa7938]

*The reporting of the abuse

[@stephenbloch-wb8ef]

IN ANY Situation it is a sin and a crime and should be disclosed and proscecuted by both religious and secular authorities!!!

[@Shomom7]

Well documented. Thank you for making this. Respect to Manny and his parents.

[@princeshr6248]

How I love this elderly couple. They are very likable, sometimes even childish in a very sweet way! And their peers should really be ashamed for treating them like this. It breaks my heart.

[@thejaxter6384]

My heart aches for anyone who has suffered such abuse. It takes a huge amount of courage to report these issues.

[@TheNinnyfee]

While it should be absolutely normal and the community should gather around them instead of the perverts.

[@chalinofalcone871]

@@TheNinnyfee "The study concluded that there was no epidemic of child abuse at day care centers. In fact, if there was an abuse crisis anywhere, the study pointed out, it was at home-where the risk to children of molestation is almost twice as high as in day care. in 1985, there were nearly 100,000 reported cases of children sexually abused by family members (mostly fathers, stepfathers, or older brothers), compared with about 1,300 cases in day care. Children are far more likely to be beaten, too, at the family hearth, the researchers found; and the physical abuse at home tends to be of longer duration, more severe and more traumatic than any violence children faced in day care centers. In 1986, 1,500 children died from abuse at home. " Day care is not an inherently high-risk locale for children, despite the frightening stories in the media," the Family research Laboratory study's authors concluded." [Backlash:The Undeclared War on American Women, Susan Faludi, 1991, p. 43]

[@iamcalledirenechaliz-lopez]

They were never ur friends…friends & family would want JUSTICE…

[@antoinettedubarry5742]

his dad is how i wish my parents reacted - to have their support is life changing and validating. they protect you through that

[@glitter2glaze21]

Manny having your Dad for a Dad is one of the first blessing you received in life and you have many more to come. Don't let anyone block you from exposed a dangerous truth.

[@sbelinsky7958]

May his father recover and live many happy healthy years in Israel. I truly applaud Manny and his parents for their strength to see this through!

[@asia1924]

The father of this young man is a true man of faith. Not a hypocrite.

[@rositacamacho3999]

I applaud Manny's father for standing up for his son, for doing the right thing even when so many turned their backs on him. It also made him see the ugly side of his religion and the people he thought would be there for him.

[@MH-ve5sz]

A positive thing to note about this sad story is the actual EFFECT that that television announcement had. Bravo to the team who put it together. I hope this leads to more victims getting help.

[@sandranorman5469]

How about the rapists go to jail?

[@lisamoriarty6244]

And more perverts and their protectors being uncovered, punished and exposed.

[@illumindonnaughty]

Probably the reason why t.v stations stopped showing adverts like that?

[@chunellemariavictoriaespan8752]

​@@illumindonnaughty They stopped?

[@bereal6590]

Poor guy, I've not been sexual abused but I grew up in abuse and it's the betrayal by those who perpetrate it but worse that those that should protect and care don't. How brave to come forwards with all this ✌

[@susanhoran6576]

I have great respect and admiration for your father. He stuck by you like a real man would do for his child. For any church members throwing stones at another while you have a large stone in your own eye.

[@schublak]

What wonderful parents this man has. They can look at themselves in the mirror and be proud of their son! 👏👏👏