A demonstration was held on May 16, 2011 opposing those of the ultra-Orthodox/Hasidic community who are supporting an accused child molester by the name of Nechemya Weberman, 53, also a well-known and respected counselor at neighborhood Satmar yeshivas. Protestors met outside of the Continental Catering Dining Hall in Williamsburg where a fundraiser for Weberman was being held to raise money towards his defense fund. Police arrested Weberman in February 2011 after the 16 year-old girl reported that her therapist had forced her during counseling sessions to perform oral sex acts starting when she was just 12 years-old. Both ex-Hasidic and secular supporters protested the efforts by Brooklyn’s ultra-Orthodox and Hasidic leaders to cover up sex abuse in their communities. About 100 protestors showed up at the event which was attended by more than 1,000 ultra-Orthodox/Hasidic men. Many who participated in the protest held signs reading “protect victims not abusers,” and traded harsh words with supporters of Weberman’s cause. Only two people were arrested, both charged with disorderly conduct while the rest of the protest remained entirely non-violent.
