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Rabbi Jonathan Abraham was arrested for performing a circumcision in Ireland.
Rabbi Jonathan Abraham, a 47-year-old rabbi, mohel (one who performs a brit milah, or Jewish circumcision), and father of ten from London has been held in an Irish jail for weeks, awaiting trial for the “illegal” circumcision of a baby boy. Rabbi Abraham has been denied bail, forbidden from praying with tefillin (the boxes of prayers that Orthodox Jewish men traditionally wrap around their heads and arms during weekday morning prayers), and is denied kosher food.
Circumcision is unusual in Ireland: only 2-3% of Irish baby boys are circumcised each year. Performing circumcision is legal, but with tight restrictions. Inside a hospital setting, only medical practitioners can perform circumcision and only when it’s deemed medically necessary. The Irish press periodically highlights high-profile calls to ban circumcision entirely, calling it “barbaric” and “mutilation.”
Yet Jews, Muslims, and others who wish to have their babies circumcised are allowed to hire a religious figure who’s licensed to do so. With a Jewish population of fewer than 3,000, Ireland has no Jewish circumcisers; when a Jewish family in Ireland wishes to arrange a brit milah (circumcision) for their baby son, they typically fly in a mohel from neighboring Britain for the day.
Jews aren’t the only Irish parents who hire British circumcisers. The Dublin Hebrew Congregation, Shaarei Tzedek, notes on its website: “We receive many requests every year from non-Jews seeking this procedure for their own sons. Many mohelim from the Initiation Society will be happy to perform the procedure…”
At just after one in the afternoon, Rabbi Abraham had performed one circumcision on an African baby boy and was about to circumcise a second baby when police knocked on the door of the home where the ceremonies were taking place. Invited in by the homeowner, they arrested Rabbi Abraham, brought him to their stationhouse, and held him two days before charging him.
When he finally appeared before a judge, the charges against Rabbi Abraham were tinged with antisemitism prejudice. Detective Megan Furey recounted how she’d found Rabbi Abraham “dressed in a white robe, a doctor-style coat, with blue gloves and a scalpel in his hand.” Other medical equipment was present at the scene. She “observed a very young child on the changing pad naked.” The judge was told that Rabbi Abraham was a flight risk because he is wealthy.
It seems that by performing a circumcision on a African baby, instead of a Jewish one, Rabbi Abraham had exceeded his authority in Ireland and was no longer allowed to work. In a statement to Aish.com, the Initiation Society emphasized that “On the facts as we know them we have no reason to believe that he acted unlawfully. It is also important to emphasize that there is no suggestion that the circumcision he carried out were performed incorrectly in any way.”
When Rabbi Abraham’s lawyer pointed out that he’s a trained, licensed, and insured mohel and that he would be allowed to circumcise a n African child in England, the judge noted that Ireland is not England. Rabbi Abraham was ordered to remain in Dublin’s notorious Cloverhill Prison, an institution where prison guards are under investigation for brutalizing inmates. If found guilty of performing a circumcision without the correct medical license, Rabbi Abraham faces five years in jail and a fine of €130,000.
In Cloverhill, Rabbi Abraham’s situation is dire. He is being kept in a solitary cell, prevented from praying with his tefillin, and was denied kosher food. When the Chief Rabbi of Ireland, Yoni Wieder, heard about Rabbi Abraham’s plight, he brought kosher food to Cloverhill Prison and begged the guards to deliver it to Rabbi Abraham. His offer was refused.
Rabbi Abraham appealed to Ireland’s High Court, alleging that his human rights are being abused, which is illegal under Ireland’s Constitution. During his trial, Rabbi Abraham has described his conditions over the past weeks. He’s been eating only breakfast cereal once a day. When he asked for kosher food, he was delivered a piece of chicken which had clearly come from that evening’s prison dinner: it had been placed in a cardboard box with the word “kosher” scrawled on the outside in pen. Chief Rabbi Weider has described his frustration with Cloverhill Prison authorities who insisted that they were providing kosher food to Rabbi Abraham, while never once contacting any Jewish authority nor any kosher caterers about sourcing ingredients.
At his human rights appeal, Rabbi Abraham described his anguish at being refused access to his tefillin, which the prison insists can be used as a weapon by other inmates. “I am in a cell by myself,” Rabbi Abraham told the judge, explaining that no other prisoner would be able to grab his tefillin and use them as weapons. He also described how at least on one occasion, as he was praying in his cell, guards burst in and ordered him to strip to his underpants.
Given the conditions of his incarceration, Rabbi Abraham has begged to be released on bail. The High Court trial is ongoing, but the judge, Ms. Justice Nuala Jackson, has refused Rabbi Abraham’s release, though she has ordered Cloverhill Prison to give him access to his tefillin and to kosher food.
While Rabbi Abraham’s human rights appeal about the conditions of his imprisonment is ongoing, no date has yet been set for his criminal trial of illegal circumcision. The Irish police have said they will likely ask that even more charges be added to the existing charge of performing a circumcision without the appropriate license. Meanwhile, Rabbi Abraham’s wife, who works part time in London tutoring children with learning differences, is looking after their family alone.
We can all support Rabbi Abraham by making sure he is not forgotten. Follow the news of his unbelievable case, and speak out when sensational news coverage distorts the facts of his case. We also can double down on our embrace of Jewish traditions as a way of showing support with Rabbi Abraham and with Jews worldwide. Let’s show the world that when one Jew is prevented from living a Jewish life, we all embrace that life even more.
Update:
On Thursday, Aug 22, 2024, Rabbi Abraham was released on bail set at $80,000 and allowed to return to his home in London, under strict conditions, pending his trial which may not occur for a couple of years.
Dr Miller, any follow up on what happened to Rabbi Jonathan Abraham? Is he still in prison?
Dr. Miller,
Please tell the whole story and not just cherry pick information that you can use to damage the truth, and the relationship between Jews/Irish. Your article lacks historical l, and for that matter, truthful context. Did you ever check and see if the Irish prison system ordered Kosher food and Tiffilin for Rabbi Abraham?
Many, many Irish people stand with Israel, myself being just one of them. This law is not good, and it needs to change. However, circumcision is not illegal in Ireland, it's just that the law requires it to be done under medical care/conditions. The law was not made to target Jewish people - you story might suggest it was.
I'm for changing that law to allow Rabbis, who are trained to do circumcisions, to be legally able to do so.
Correct Jimmy
Does anyone know of a way to support his wife and family with donations?
I will send a small donation to this appalling situation. I loathe what has happened to the Rabbi.
Why are there any Jews in this cesspool of a country? Ireland is a purely Catholic country devoted to the hatred of the State of Israel and the Jewish People.
That is a TOTAL insult to me and my country. How dare you call my country a “ cesspool” . We as a people do NOT hate Israel, we don’t condone violence of any kind against , Christian,Jew, or other religions. I abhor the fact that this poor Rabbi was treated like this, but however, it IS against the law to do circumcision in this way. The law IS the law !!!!
Well said, Antoinette.
Please help to change the law. Many laws in all countries are wrong.
And if the law. says that Jews are second class.....
Wow - your comments clearly indicate your lack of knowledge about Irish-Jewish history. There's a term used in Ireland - don't throw the baby out with the bath water - you clearly have done just that by your hateful comments. Irish-Jewish history is long and had been one of peaceful coexistence. Ireland never expelled Jews, never treated them like much of the rest of Europe did. You should take some history lessons.
A few more things. The author and the story clearly lack context. It's safe to assume that the Irish prison system lack an understanding of Jewish religious practices - it's likely the kosher food and religious objects were not available at the time of the Rabbi's arrest. A search would show you that Kosher food was ordered, as we're the religious needed.
Cody, you clearly formed your opinion on a story that lacks factual or historical context. You've also shown you are devoid of understanding Irish-Jewish history. There are many, many Irish people who are troubled by this event.
However, as you so aptly pointed out, Ireland is primarily a Catholic country and it would be fair to say the Irish Prison system were not thoroughly familiar with Jewish religious practices. But, did you know that the Irish prison system, after finding out what the Rabbi's requirements were, ordered Kosher food and Tiffilin for the Rabbi? He has also been released on bail. The law is not a good law, I think we all agree, but it is the law and it needs to change. But your hateful retoric does not help.
Also correct, in fact the judicial system offered to pay half of the Rabbi’s costs. Apologised to him, and ordered that all his needs , food and religious, be seen to, which they were.
I am not Jewish, but all of this so wrong against this Rabbi.
How about we demonstrate in front of the Irish mission in nyc
Ireland Goverment is standing with hamas and since the Goverment in ireland is so stupid to understand hamas will kill them next
Is there a petition underway?
What can one expect from a country that for decades forcibly removed babies from unmarried mothers, in some cases doing away with them! Very cruel. Their so-called justice system is still in the Dark Ages.
So sad to read that I’m Jewish and Irish ☘️ do they still cite the women from many countries? Nobody try’s to stop that !!
Absolutely awful how he has been treated; but the title should say Rabbi arrested for performing circumcision on a non-Jew.
is that a different procedure?
In Ireland yes - circumcisions are only permitted for medical reasons in hospitals, or for religious reasons through the allocated procedures. So Jewish children in Ireland are allowed to be circumcised if their parents think it's a good idea, as are Muslims. We only allow it for males for religious Muslims and Jews though, female circumcision is illegal across the board. Currently, we are debating just banning it for everyone though.
Appalled as a person of Irish heritage! Makes me not even want to visit! 😖
Must be helped by the ambaddador to isrsel and England get him the bedt lawyers snd make this public in the news .Do now
Hashem will win, be strong this is your test period. Rabbi, remember what the Torah says about temptation.And being a Jew this is nothing compared to what we know of the world yesteryears.
Be strong Rabbi.
I wonder if the judge would sentence a Priest, and I wonder if the guards would treat the Priest the way the guards treated the Rabbi?
there’s nothing to wonder about, is there?
Priests DO NOT do circumcisions
Do people know that one of the chief Rabbis of Israel was a Irish citizen, it was a while back but it a real fact I heard and read about
You have to be a licensed doctor to perform surgery on children's genitals in Ireland. Why is this so hard to understand? If it had been in place and enforced sooner, Callis Osaghae would still be alive.
Because for both Jews and Muslims, this is an obligatory religious ceremony that a doctor cannot perform. It is a celebration; including prayers, family members, food, and friends. Since Islam recognizes their roots in Judaism Abraham /Ibrahim, the Hebrew Prophets instead of an Islamic equivalent they might choose a Mohel over a Doctor. Denying him the necessary ritual prayer object he needs is antisemitic and denying him Kosher food the only kind he can eat is anti semitic.
There are doctors who are also mohelim. So, a doctor may perform a circumcision, if he is also a rabbi.
no you don’t. this rabbi can perform circumcisions on jewish babies, with no such restrictions. is that so hard to understand, or are you just trolling for fun?
How did the police know? Do parents get charged too?
Yes
It resumes to pure antisemitism, their laws are medieval, what a shame on Ireland.
it comes down to lawfare - the eu is outlawing moslem, and jewish practices, such as shechitah and brit mullah, under the pretense of “rights”.
Especially in France!
More sad news for the Jews. Thank you for making the story known. Irish jail system clearly impinged this man’s right to practice his religion.
Are Jews so out of touch that they don't know Ireland has been strongly Jew hating for centuries, that they would visit it even today? You know who the children of Yafes are. It is even written in seforim the influence that shines down on the region Ireland falls in, is one of firey and warlike nature.
Nevertheless, the rachamin of God will shine hard on him, and he will be released.
This article, and the comments, are mendacious. Circumcision in Ireland is perfectly legal, but the mohel has to be a registered practitioner with the Irish authorities. Several English mehelim are, and the family (whoever they are) could have engaged an Irish-registered Mohel. This gentleman wasn’t registered, and he was arrested as an unlicensed practitioner carrying out an unlicensed medical procedure. He was either very foolish, or very badly advised, or both. The screams of antisemitism etc are wrong, and unhelpful. Moral of the story: obey the law. Not antisemitism, not Nazism. Plus - why should anyone assume that the average Irish prison authorities have any knowledge or understanding of either kosher food or tefillin?
According to press reports, and not as stated in the article, Rabbi Abraham is not an Irish-registered Mohel. Plus - a judge has ordered the supply of kosher food, and access to tefillin . The arrest took place on July 30, so to talk of “weeks” of imprisonment, while technically accurate, is a little tendentious …..
Why is he arrested at all, for what is essentially paperwork? Why not slap a fine and be done with it? Why are they still holding him?
Also, why is Ireland getting involved in these religious matters at all? A Muslim parent hired a Jewish mohel - why is it any of the government's business?
because it gives the irish a chance to stick it to brits and jews, two of their favourite peoples, at the same time.
The Irish do not hate the BRITS , although if we did , we would have very just cause to do so, given the 800 years of terror and oppression that the Brits choose to forget they put them under , denying us our freedoms, religion, schooling, to be able to own our own property, not to mention the loss of our own language, which was forbidden, I could go on and on!!
What he did is ILLEGAL
the judge ordered, and the prison guards wrote “kosher” on the box. get real.
"a judge has ordered the supply of kosher food, and access to tefillin". Yes, after a week and a half of pleas for basic human and religious rights falling on deaf ears.
It should be noted that Ireland's stance on Jewish refugees during World War II was very restrictive. The country, under the leadership of Éamon de Valera, maintained a policy of strict neutrality during the war and implemented immigration policies that made it extremely difficult for Jewish refugees to find sanctuary there.
The day will come when these people ll regret their actions... time is on the side of Jews...it has always been and it ll always be. History is a good proof of it. We must remain patience 🙏
and how does this help the rabbi who has had to live on breakfast cereal for weeks?
Any Jew still in Ireland should remember that not even 100 years ago things in Europe looked the same. And the Jews who stayed... We'll like Douglas says, even the Nazis where ashamed of their actions, these modern psychopaths revel in it.
Leave while you still can, Ireland is one of the most antisemitic countries in Europe.
They need to remember that Ireland wouldn’t be a sovereign nation without that Jew Robert Briscoe
Unbelievably tragic. Why hasn't this been publicized in any of the news media sources? This is an outrage and all the rabbis worldwide should be protesting this breach of human rights!!
Not allowing Jewish Registered Rabbis to perform circumcision by parental request, is like telling Christians they can no longer wear the Christian cross as jewelry. I think it is best to E-mail the Irish government to protest
This rabbi was not “registered” in Ireland….
He is registered in "Great Britain". Doesn't that include Ireland??
NO. It includes ‘Northern Ireland’. The Irish Republic is a completely separate and independent country.
NO
he was circumcising a moslem child.
So what?
Ireland? The most notorious antisemites after the poles and ukranians! Jews leave this by their pagan g.d forsaken wasteland!
Why hasn't the English Prime Minister stepped in to assist?
Because the mohel clearly deliberately contravened Irish law.
Irish law only allows circumscision by a doctor in a hospital. This is forbidden in Jewish law. Need a mohel. The fact that they’ve been allowing British mohels to fly in for years for Muslim and Jewish children says this case is different.
1. Your first sentence is incorrect
2.your second sentence is incorrect - many Orthodox Jewish doctors are also mohelim
3. Your fourth sentence, which contradicts your first sentence, is also wrong.
This case is about the fact that under Irish law, the mohel needs to be registered in Ireland. This one wasn’t (several are). He was breaking the law. What is so difficult to understand???!!!
You are correct that he apparently broke Irish law by performing circumcision in Ireland. However, it was unreasonable that the prison didn’t immediately find a way to provide him with kosher food. Under international law, there has to be a compelling reason to deny a prisoner’s religious diet and access to religious articles. During “the Troubles” when Irish and British paramilitary groups were at war with each other in Northern Ireland, the European Court of Human Rights condemned the British government’s inhumane treatment of prisoners, especially those who identified as “Irish” rather than “British.”
For those who claim that the Irish are antisemitic, it’s an unfair generalization.
“irish law” also provides an exemption for jewish mohels to circumcise jewish children.
If they are “registered” in Ireland. This one wasn’t.
which permits him to perform circumcisions on jewish babies.
The British PM has nothing to do with policies of Ireland, a different country. I would hope the UK ambassador to Ireland has been able to see the rabbi, which is his right under international law.
Ireland has forgotten its own history. Robert Briscoe a Zionist and Irish revolutionary became the 1st Jewish Lord Mayor of Dublin. His son, Ben Briscoe, in 1988,was elected Lord Mayor of Dublin. In 1079 Jews were Ireland. Expelled Portuguese Jews in 1497, settled in Ireland.William Annyas was elected mayor of Youghal, Cork in 1555. Francis Annyas,aka Ãnes, was a three-time Mayor of Youghal.There is so much more, but for every pro-Jewish law or pro-Jewish Irishman, there seems to be 10 anti semitic laws and Irishman. Ironically, every June 16th, Dublin celebrates Bloomsday honoring James Joyce and his book Ulysses, and its Jewish protagonist, Leopold Bloom.
That was before the Islamists came into country
Very important and interesting information Arthur
Although completely irrelevant
Absolutely appalling actions by the Irish authorities. Authorised rabbis should be allowed to circumcise Jewish babies without fear or favour. I am a non- Jewish Scot.
They can - the issue here is that Muslims in Ireland often hire a mohel to do their circumcisions, and he was doing that when he was arrested.
What he did was illegal, why should this be an exception?
Look at Irelands history. Great supporters of Nazi Germany ! Free Rav Abrahams NOW
Jews are denied these things in the US, too, and no one cares. Why is this news?
That is just plain not true!
Boycott Ireland. I am not Jewish, but what is happening is horrible.
Ireland has become a horrible country, hating Jews as much as they hate the English. This appalling miscarriage of justice should be internationally known.
Ireland is hateful and discriminates against Jews. Their own people have turned against the Catholic faith and have become secular. But they still remain anti-Semitic. The Irish are lost.
There must be someone from outside Ireland working on getting him released. How can we help?
Please remove this article which potentially harms R'Abrahams.
J L - Are you kidding? The world has to know what is happening to our people and by whom.
Does the world have to know that Orthodox Jews don’t care about the law?
or that the laws in ireland, and the legal system, are antisemitic, through and through.
Eh????
Get a grip
The same 'logic ' against trying to save Soviet Jewry. Protest worked.
Ireland is a member of the European Union and this is against their constitution.. has anybody thought of approaching them. Ireland is a friend of terrorism and is increasingly become more so.
Unfortunately, Ireland is a Nazi cesspool. I don't know why Jews continue to live there. The Irish are a particularly bigoted and hateful 'people,' and Jews will never be safe there. They need to leave Ireland, and let it stew in its disgusting Satanic juices.
He doesn't live in Ireland.He lives in London.
But although few there are still Jews living in that rat hole, as they do in poland, the ukrain, iran, the netherlands, belgium, france, spain, portugal, sweden, denmark, norway!
i’m so very sad of his plight & injustices towards the Rabbi. Let us all pray for his release.
What is the rabbis full first name and his mothers name so we can pray for him
YONATAN ASHER YEHUDAH BEN MICHAL
Unacceptable treatment of this Rabbi by the Irish and the world media.
Dear Aish Please let us know who his attorney is so that we can send funds to support his defense.