Bobov Rebbe, Shomrim Named in $200M Civil Suit Over Jacob Daskal Abuse Cover-Up
In a groundbreaking legal move that has stunned both legal observers and religious communities, Rivka Mandel, a survivor of sexual abuse, has filed a $200 million civil suit against prominent figures in the Bobov Hasidic community and the Boro Park Shomrim. The lawsuit follows the conviction of Jacob Daskal, a former Shomrim leader, who is now serving a 17.5-year sentence for criminal sexual activity involving a minor.
Allegations and Named Defendants
The civil complaint alleges a sweeping conspiracy to silence Mandel, then 15 years old, who was raped on a near-nightly basis after being invited to live with Daskal’s family. According to court documents, Daskal’s wife, children, and sons-in-law were aware of the abuse but remained silent. The suit names:
- Jacob Daskal – Convicted abuser, former Shomrim leader
- Bella Daskal – Daskal’s wife
- Barry Daskal – Daskal’s son
- Boro Park Shomrim – Community security patrol group
- Rabbi Ben Zion Halberstam – Bobover Rebbe
- Chaim Halberstam – His son
- Yachad D’Bobov – An affiliated Bobov organization
“They created and maintained a regime of terror and intimidation,” the lawsuit claims, describing coercion, tire-slashing, and threats designed to keep Mandel quiet.
Community Ties and Financial Evasion
Further allegations include the transfer of over $10 million in real estate assets by Daskal to shield himself and his family from financial consequences. The lawsuit also names Boro Park Shomrim as complicit, alleging their members helped facilitate and conceal the abuse.
“The community has to take responsibility,” said Judge Nicholas Garaufis during Daskal’s sentencing.
Legal Case Title
Mandel v. Daskal (Case No. 1:23-cv-07352) – U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York.
📂 Download Lawsuit Documents:
Note: Documents are hosted by PacerMonitor and may require registration to access in full.
Related Topics You May Find Useful:
- How Religious Institutions Enable Police Misconduct
- Civilian Patrols: Public Safety or Parallel Justice?
- Judicial Failures in Handling Child Sex Abuse
Broader Implications
This lawsuit underscores the difficulty victims face when coming forward in tightly-bound, religious, and law enforcement-aligned communities. Advocacy groups argue that without systemic reform, cases like Mandel’s will continue to be mishandled or suppressed. It also raises significant questions about the role of Shomrim-type patrols and how much oversight they really have.
Tags: Jacob Daskal, Bobov Rebbe, Boro Park Shomrim, Haredi Abuse, Child Abuse, Community Corruption, Civil Lawsuit, Cover-Up, Jewish Communities, Accountability
