By COLlive reporter
Eli Nash, owner of JEG and Sons, a leading technology distributor of IT and electronics products, is one of the backers of an online drive to reopen the Jewish Community Watch against abuse in frum communities.
Nash, a resident of Miami Beach, has recently gone public in a preview for an upcoming short film about the abuse he was subject to from age 8.
“There were times where I so desperately wanted to stand up and speak out, yet my voice would not comply,” he writes in a public letter. “It seemed the only time I did muster the strength to speak up was when I flew into a rage. I was unable to assert myself appropriately; I vacillated between overly passive and overly aggressive; the middle ground eluded me.”
He, along with two other donors, are encouraging the public to donate to Jewish Community Watch’s relaunch efforts by offering to match contributions made over the next 24 hours.
In the past 24 hours, the campaign reached the goal of $100,000, and they have now raised the goal to $150,000, with the assistance of a fourth donor.
Jewish Community Watch closed down earlier this year amid widespread both support and criticism. Its founder Meyer Seewald said it was due to a lack of funding.
It recently announced it’s relaunching with expanded activities and said it would be most transparent. The names of its “board of advisers” were made public, but not the small committee who decides which names should be listed on its controversial “Wall of Shame” of alleged abusers.
Nash wrote that the organization “has helped me tremendously. I am vocal about that and intend to continue to be.” He said that was in addition to “years of therapy, learning and optimizing techniques to overcome my struggle.”
The public can donate to the organization until Thursday 5:00 pm EST and see their donation quadrupled charidy.com/jcw
It takes an incredibly strong individual to be able to work through such a traumatic life experience. It is one of the worst things that can happen to a person and for you not only keep it from debilitating you, but to prosper despite it…it’s awe-inspiring. Good for you for speaking out. Good for you for unloading what must have felt like a shameful secret…when it isn’t for YOU. The shame falls on your abuser. G-d should bless you with continued success. Kol Hakovod !
It is a nice thing to have an organization that battles community problems such as abuse. However it needs transparency. We already have so much authority 1- Torah – By choosing to live as a religious Jew – 2- Local Rabbonim – By choosing to live in this community 3- Local Police By choosing to live in a city 4- Federal authority By choosing to live in this country. 5…… JCW is now also in authority. It is fair to know exactly WHO is in the board. I think they would be much more successful if everyone knew who is… Read more »
#11…..
pathetic comment. The ability to take into account other people’s pain (may nobody ever have) is not always accessible. Try to imagine someone’s life being ruined by abuse, and then how they live their entire lives thinking about how their body was G-d forbid violated……wait, lets change that and imagine that it was PREVENTED .
got the point??
There needs 2 b a trial 1st b4 he puts som1 on the site im Sorry & thats y he wont just work with the police, u need serious evidence & the reason he wont just use the police is bec the police r not going 2 stand 4 a website that som1 wasnt convicted, bec until convicted there is no proof, & he wants 2 put ppl up even without a trial & that police will say that is defamation. So the thing is the police wouldnt b 4 his website & that is y he isnt using the… Read more »
All pro this redone initiative, after the last one failed miserably, following its irresponsible and non transparent modus operandi. Here is to the hope that this will be successfully run, with a REAL team of professionals and a board of advisers who actually have a say in the running of the website and group. I am a little concerned that the actual board of those deciding who is/is not to be accused is not disclosed – I hope that there will be some accountability on the site. There were tragic mistakes made on the last one – let us hope… Read more »
Eli is no victim nor survivor, he is an initiator who thrives without realizing he is perceived as a strong and courageous individual. You are amazing! and the forth page of your letter demonstrates outstanding maturity and extraordinary determination to transcend beyond the long and painfull challenges endured during your childhood. I commend you and may others learn from your wisdom and actions.
The needy should make their own fundraising event online. Meyer deserves every penny he gets for making such a difference!
These are the needy! They are broken souls who need support. May you never know such pain
This is marvelous, marvelous, more people must speak up now, and please please Gd, graphology must be used when anyone interviews for a job with children.
Graphology is the only way a persons personality can be seen, please eople, take note. Go to a graphologist before hiring a teacher, babysitter, anyone you hire. Don’t risk your kids lives, look atthe handwriting.
Think its better 2 give 2 the needy instead.
$150,719
Only about 1/2 hour left until 5 pm EST! Please donate! There is still 15,000 left (at least) to be donated!
As a parent I feel safe knowing this organization exist
Thank you
Thank you Meir Seewald for your courage and vision. You have helped many with this courage and vision. Good luck. We are all very grateful.
Much needed!! Thank you!!
Kol Hakovod to Eli Nash, we should all learn from him he didnt sit and scream victim and ask everyone to give him money and let this issue bother him he went and made a life for himself and from a victim he went to becoming a survivor.
Lifesavers. Thank you! Please donate!
May Hashem help them protect many many people
At the time of the publication of this article, much of the 24 hours has passed. There are only about 4 and a half hours left until 5pm, EST! Please donate!
I do not personally know you but i read your letter and it is one of the most impact-full letters i’ve ever read!