Rabbi Milecki back in Australia…and facing three defamation actions

March 5, 2018 by J-Wire Newsdesk
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Defamation actions have been launched at Sydney’s Supreme Court against the former spiritual leader of the now defunct South Head Synagogue Rabbi Benzion Milecki.

Rabbi Benzion Milecki

Rabbi Milecki has spent recent months overseas and has returned to Sydney.

The South Head Synagogue’s building  has now been renamed Kehillat Kadimah and is now leased by the KK board. Rabbi Milecki is not employed by the new congregation.

The defamation action is by each of the Secured Lenders (James Hochroth, Rodney Naumburger and Curtis Mann) against Rabbi Milecki where they  say “that he defamed us in various communications that were rebroadcast on J-wire.Each of the Secured Lenders of the South Head Synagogue in administration James Hochroth, Rodney Naumburger and Curtis Mann have brought the action against Rabbi Milecki saying that he defamed us in various communications that were rebroadcast on J-Wire”.

The Kadimah AGM will be held on March 25th

J-Wire emailed Rabbi Milecki for a comment.

Comments

8 Responses to “Rabbi Milecki back in Australia…and facing three defamation actions”
  1. Dr Myer Samra says:

    I am disappointed that the three Secured Lenders have chosen to take this action. The alleged defamation came in the course of the Rabbi’s trying to defend himself and his job in a battle concerning the future of the Rabbi and South Head Synagogue. The Lenders have successfully got rid of the Rabbi and have created a congregation more to their liking. Let that be the end of the story without the ugliness of further protracted legal proceedings.

    • Jonathan Sommer says:

      This is not a battle but rather an honest attempt to rejuvenate a moribund community, led by a Rabbi who has lost touch with his community.
      All organisations replace the old guard with new people to ensure the organisation’s survival and South Head is no different.

      After 30 years as a self appointed shadow Director and CEO, Rabbi Milecki should gracefully retire and be thrilled to be appointed as Rabbi Emeritus.

      I am sure that a Statue of the esteemed Rabbi would also be appropriate, together with a Knighthood.

    • Eliza Doolittle says:

      Rabbi’s is the incorrect grammar by the way!!!!
      The sentence should read – …… in the course of the Rabbi trying to defend himself …..

  2. Myrtle Jones says:

    Plz email me re Milecki … regards..

  3. Juliet Hurwitz says:

    I do not know the full legalities of the situation so am not commenting on that. My comments are about naming, shaming and blaming a dedicated rabbi at a time in his life where he should be reflecting, with pride, the long career he had serving his community.

    I can only imagine the toll that this had taken on Rabbi Milecki and his family.

    As a victim of workplace bullying and harrassment I know personally the toll it takes on your emotional health.

    I hope this process can be done with some compassion. As a migrant to this country l sometimes wonder if this word exists in the the Australian psyche as a whole.

    • Rafi Plotkin says:

      I agree with you and empathise with your painful experience.

      But in this case it would appear that the 3 Secured Creditors are NOT the bullies.

      In fact they are the saviours of the Shul and should be commended for their unselfish actions.

  4. Avigael Cassel says:

    Very happy to hear. Its well past time these people are held accountable for their appalling behaviour.

    • Rafi Plotkin says:

      I am unsure to whom you are referring when you comment ” ….these people are held accountable….”

      Do you mean the 3 secured creditors or Benzion Milecki and his colleagues ??

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