Accused paedophile principal of Adass Israel school Malka Leifer ‘respected by parents, students’

Accused paedophile principal Malka Leifer claimed she ‘did nothing wrong’ after being removed from her position in 2008.

Malka Leifer in 2006.

Accused paedophile principal Malka Leifer claimed she “did nothing wrong” after being removed from her position in 2008 as allegations of child sex abuse were levelled at her.

The principal of the Adass Israel School from 2001-08, she told a colleague she was innocent after being stood down at a school board meeting, Victoria’s County Court heard on Tuesday.

Esther Spiegelman, former general studies stream head at the ultra-orthodox Jewish school in Melbourne, said she visited Ms Leifer socially and professionally and was at the meeting when the board made its decision in 2008.

Asked by defence counsel Ian Hill KC if she saw Ms Leifer after that meeting to say goodbye, and if she was “teary and upset”, Ms Spiegelman responded “yes” and “very much so”. She agreed Ms Leifer told her she felt what was happening was “unfair” and “I did nothing wrong”.

Ms Leifer has pleaded not guilty to 29 charges relating to sexual offences against three Melbourne sisters, Nicole Meyer, Dassi Erlich and Elly Sapper, who have allowed The Australian to identify them.

It is alleged the offences took place between 2003 and 2007 including on school camp, in the school library, in a school office and at Ms Leifer’s home.

Sharon Bromberg, a teacher at the school for more than 40 years, said it was “common knowledge” Ms Leifer met with students after hours.

She was asked: “Did you see that yourself happening?”

“I had first-hand knowledge,” Ms Bromberg said. While Ms Bromberg agreed Ms Leifer appeared to be a “hardworking teacher and principal”, she did not agree she “led by example”.

Earlier, the court heard Ms Leifer was considered an “authority” on the ethos and values of the school, and was “respected” by parents and students alike.

The hearing continues.