Uploaded March 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In February 2024, Dassi Erlich shared a powerful story of survival at her first public appearance since the release of her memoir, In Bad Faith.
Dassi Erlich and her sisters, Elly Sapper and Nicole Meyer, grew up in an ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in the inner suburbs of Melbourne. As young women, the three sisters accused their high school principal, Malka Leifer, of sexual abuse spanning their teenage years. In 2023, after 15 years of tireless campaigning, attempts by Leifer to escape justice by fleeing to Israel, and extradition orders, a Melbourne jury found Leifer guilty.
At this exclusive Melbourne event, Dassi Erlich discussed her memoir and its honest reckoning with secrecy and power. With host and co-writer, Ellen Whinnett, Dassi shared her experience at the centre of the high-profile trial, and the cost and urgency of seeking justice for herself and for other sexual abuse survivors.
Sarah Krasnostein was initially scheduled to host this conversation but was unable to appear. Please note that this conversation contains reference to sexual abuse and assault.
If you need assistance with any of these issues, you can learn more and seek advice via the below resources.
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 46 36
Headspace: 1800 650 890
Sexual Assault Crisis Line: 1800 806 292
In February 2024, Dassi Erlich shared a powerful story of survival at her first public appearance since the release of her memoir, In Bad Faith.
Dassi Erlich and her sisters, Elly Sapper and Nicole Meyer, grew up in an ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in the inner suburbs of Melbourne. As young women, the three sisters accused their high school principal, Malka Leifer, of sexual abuse spanning their teenage years. In 2023, after 15 years of tireless campaigning, attempts by Leifer to escape justice by fleeing to Israel, and extradition orders, a Melbourne jury found Leifer guilty.
At this exclusive Melbourne event, Dassi Erlich discussed her memoir and its honest reckoning with secrecy and power. With host and co-writer, Ellen Whinnett, Dassi shared her experience at the centre of the high-profile trial, and the cost and urgency of seeking justice for herself and for other sexual abuse survivors.
Sarah Krasnostein was initially scheduled to host this conversation but was unable to appear. Please note that this conversation contains reference to sexual abuse and assault.
If you need assistance with any of these issues, you can learn more and seek advice via the below resources.
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 46 36
Headspace: 1800 650 890
Sexual Assault Crisis Line: 1800 806 292
