Media Releases

Media Release

The Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council is very pleased to see the arrest of former Melbourne school principal and accused sexual abuser Malka Leifer by Israeli police yesterday, and the subsequent court hearing alleging she had faked mental illness to avoid extradition back to Australia.

This is a matter which AIJAC has pursued with Israeli authorities for some time, with National Chairman Mark Leibler twice meeting with Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked to discuss this case. AIJAC has called on Israeli authorities to do their utmost, consistent with the rule of law, to fully investigate Ms Leifer’s claim of being too ill to stand trial and appreciates that they have done so. Mark Leibler will again be seeking to discuss what can be done to expedite Ms. Leifer’s extradition with Israeli authorities during his visit to Israel next week.

AIJAC is hopeful that these latest developments will lead to Ms. Leifer’s speedy extradition back to Australia to face a long-overdue trial – at last bringing some measure of closure and justice to her alleged victims.

Mark Leibler, AC
National Chairman

Colin Rubenstein, AM
Executive Director