What is it about?
The article presents a participatory action research project created by ultra-Orthodox social work students in Israel to address sexual abuse, often called “protectedness” in their community. Students, a lecturer, and religious authorities worked together to organize an online seminar day that included expert talks, group discussions, and personal stories. Feedback from 57 participants showed the seminar was meaningful, emotional, and important for raising awareness and encouraging open discussion. Some participants felt it lacked practical guidance. The study also reflects on the challenges of collaboration between a secular lecturer and ultra-Orthodox students, showing how shared decision-making helped create a safe space for dialogue.
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Why is it important?
Sexual abuse is rarely discussed openly in ultra-Orthodox communities. This study shows that respectful, student-driven projects can break silence without rejecting cultural values. It highlights how education can promote awareness, empathy, and conversation about difficult topics. The findings may help educators and professionals find better ways to address sensitive issues in conservative or closed communities.
Perspectives
The seminar was more than a learning event—it was a human experience. Students described being moved, challenged, and sometimes uncomfortable, yet grateful for the chance to talk honestly. For the lecturer, the project required careful listening, cultural sensitivity, and trust in the students’ leadership. Together, they showed that meaningful conversations are possible when people feel respected and heard. The project reflects a shared effort to face pain, responsibility, and hope, and it suggests that even small steps can matter in communities where difficult topics are rarely spoken aloud.
Dr. Daniel J.N. Weishut
Jerusalem Multidisciplinary College
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Participatory Action Research with Ultra-Orthodox Social Work Students on Sexual Abuse: Increasing Openness in Addressing a Social Taboo, Contemporary Jewry, December 2025, Springer Science + Business Media,
DOI: 10.1007/s12397-025-09689-4.
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