Episode 26 - Sleepaway Camp: Threat or Menace - The Case Against Camp Dora Golding (w. David Cheifetz)

In our previous episode we began to discuss the unique conditions at sleepaway camps that make them particular risks to children, In particular the sexualized atmosphere of co-ed Jewish sleepaway camps in the Conservative movement. Between the overemphasis on Jewish continuity through sex, and the isolation imposed on children as part of the experience, we discussed how Eddie Ward was able to abuse so many for so long and get away with it.

This week we are joined by survivor/advocate David Cheifetz to continue our series on sleepaway camp with a deep dive on Camp Dora Golding. David discusses his own experiences at Camp Dora Golding, and we discuss two cases in particular, including the case of Chisdai Ben-Porat, a former CDG counselor who was convicted of sexually abusing children in 2014. We discuss the camp's response in the immediate aftermath, how the parents of the survivors reacted (and what we all can learn from them), and what considerations parents should make when/if selecting a summer camp for their own children.

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SHOW NOTES:

https://www.jta.org/2013/03/28/ny/sharing-the-secret-thats-haunted-my-soul

https://frumfollies.wordpress.com/2013/09/21/text-of-rca-speech-by-david-cheifetz-on-sex-abuse/

https://www.wfmz.com/news/camp-counselor-accused-of-inappropriately-touching-boy/article_4d4700ac-ef91-5186-b033-ba2d12fe8ecd.html

https://www.poconorecord.com/story/news/2014/02/25/former-camp-counselor-sentenced-in/38646322007/

https://failedmessiah.typepad.com/failed_messiahcom/2013/09/camp-dora-golding-molestation-case-continues-as-camp-backs-alleged-molester-not-his-victims-567.html