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Politicians join forces to call for Malka Leifer’s extradition from Israel

It’s been more than a decade since ex-principal, Malka Leifer, fled Australia in the wake of sexual abuse allegations. Now, prominent politicians have joined the fight for extradition — in the hope she can, finally, face the music.

Nicole Meyer and Dassi Erlich along with Josh Burns Labor MP and Dave Sharma Liberal MP, continue their fight to extradite Malka Leifer.
Nicole Meyer and Dassi Erlich along with Josh Burns Labor MP and Dave Sharma Liberal MP, continue their fight to extradite Malka Leifer.

The fight to extradite former Melbourne school principal and alleged abuser Malka Leifer has returned to Canberra and will intensify throughout the week.

Liberal MP Dave Sharma and Labor MP Josh Burns will move a bipartisan motion in the House of Representatives, calling on Israel to immediately send Ms Leifer back to Australia to face the charges against her.

The move has the support of alleged victim Dassi Erlich, who believes it is vital to keep raising the issue.

“It is important that this issue remains outstanding in the minds of the Israeli legal and political establishment,” Ms Erlich said.

“We feel validated and encouraged that this frustrating process will not be ignored by Australia until the extradition is honoured by Israel.”

Ms Leifer is wanted on dozens of charges relating to child sexual abuse from her time as the Principal of the Adass Israel School in Melbourne.

Leifer’s victims allege she abused them while they were students at Adass Israel School in Melbourne. Picture: AP Photo
Leifer’s victims allege she abused them while they were students at Adass Israel School in Melbourne. Picture: AP Photo

She fled to Israel in 2008 after allegations first emerged and her extradition has stalled multiple times since charges were laid in 2013.

In January, an Israeli psychiatric panel concluded the former school leader had lied about suffering from mental illness and declared her fit to stand trial.

“This motion is important because we must maintain pressure until Leifer faces an Australian courtroom,” Member for Macnamara, Mr Burns said. 

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His resolution was echoed by Sydney MP Dave Sharma.

“To our friends in Israel we say: it is time to act,” he said.

“Do the right thing and support justice for victims in both our countries.”

Ms Erlich and another alleged victim visited federal parliament last October and met with Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese and Deputy Opposition Leader Richard Marles to discuss the extradition process. 

tamsin.rose@news.com.au

@tamsinroses

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/politicians-join-forces-to-call-for-malka-leifers-extradition-from-israel/news-story/815760ce15872254f1f2a11a8c58addf