Like all decent people, we at Lubavitch Centre Inc/Chabad-Lubavitch of Winnipeg are appalled and horrified by sexual misconduct charges that have been made against Rabbi Yacov Simmonds as recently reported in the media. We condemn in the strongest terms any sexual misconduct and child abuse of any kind. Such behaviour goes against everything we stand for. It is incompatible with our beliefs and values.
These allegations were completely unknown to us until early 2016 when two adult women approached us with disclosures of their experiences many years earlier, prior to his employment with Chabad.
As soon as we were made aware of the allegations, Simmonds was told to cease conducting any activities on behalf of Chabad and steps were immediately begun to formally terminate his employment.
We did not refer to the allegations publicly because the women told us that they were not yet ready to tell their story. It was their choice and we respected that.
We welcome your questions and comments.