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After community outrage over Rabbi Yitzhak Grossman's support for alleged child abuser Malka Leifer, the influential Israeli religious figure says he is "completely withdrawing" his involvement in the case.
- Rabbi Grossman had argued police custody was "humiliating" and bad for Ms Leifer's mental health
- He now says it is inappropriate for him to be involved
- Ms Leifer is waiting on the outcome of an appeal to decide if she will be allowed to live under house arrest
Ms Leifer, a former principal of Melbourne's ultra-orthodox Addas girls' school, is wanted by Victorian police on 74 charges of child sexual abuse, including rape.
The 54-year-old has been in custody in Israel since February 12 when local police rearrested her, accusing her of avoiding extradition to Australia for three years by faking mental illness.
Last Wednesday the Jerusalem district court ruled Ms Leifer could be released from police custody on Friday March 9 at 10:00am.
Rabbi Grossman recommended she be placed under house arrest with his supervision and had argued it was "humiliating" and bad for her mental health to stay in jail.
A statement from Rabbi Grossman Enterprises this week said he "responded to every plea for humanitarian assistance of any kind," and as such was willing to assist in Ms Leifer's hearing.
"As the Rabbi discovered that the assistance he had agreed to provide as an alternative to arrest for the solution of the problem facing the court, has been interpreted as supporting an attempt to avoid trial, he decided that it would not be appropriate for him to be involved."
Despite Wednesday's ruling, Ms Leifer remains in custody while a judge considers a subsequent appeal to deny her release to house arrest.
Alleged victim Dassi Erlich welcomed the Rabbi's change of heart — to an extent.
"Rabbi Grossman's retraction is proof that together we can create a culture that is morally accountable," Ms Erlich said.
"We are glad he has withdrawn his support but feel the pain he caused was not recognised with an apology.
"Rabbi Grossman is in a position to foster significant change in Israel.
"We would welcome a discussion with him in how he can further encourage and support victims who speak up."
A decision on the appeal is expected any day.
An Israeli state attorney argued Ms Leifer's release to home arrest may affect chances of her appearing at future extradition proceedings.
She was granted the right to live under house arrest in 2014, but then went on to avoid extradition proceedings for the next three years.
Ms Leifer's lawyer said her client's passport had been blocked and she would not try to leave the country.
Topics: sexual-offences, courts-and-trials, law-crime-and-justice, australia, melbourne-3000, israel
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