Rabbi Chaim Seidler-Feller, the director of UCLA Hillel who had
taken a voluntarily leave of absence pending an investigation into
an alleged assault which occurred in October, returned to work last
week.
Seidler-Feller, a well-known figure in the Los Angeles Jewish
community, was the subject of an internal investigation by Hillel
after he allegedly kicked Rachel Neuwirth, a local activist,
outside of Royce Hall on Oct. 21, 2003.
At some point during the confrontation, Neuwirth allegedly
called Seidler-Feller a “capo,” a derogatory term for
Jews who aided the Nazis during the Holocaust.
David Levy, director of the Los Angeles Hillel Council, said the
internal investigation concluded last week. He said he could not
discuss the findings of the investigation because it was an
employment matter.
Hillel launched its investigation after the city attorney
decided not to press criminal charges against Seidler-Feller on
Oct. 30. Depending on the investigation’s findings, Hillel
could have recommended Seidler-Feller take an extended leave of
absence or even that he be removed from his post.
No interim director of Hillel was appointed while Seidler-Feller
was on leave.
Seidler-Feller did not return calls seeking comment Friday.
Neuwirth said she was unhappy with the conclusion of the
investigation.
“If someone behaved like this, he doesn’t have any
room in academia,” she said. “Something needs to be
addressed. I’ve been waiting to see a proper
apology.”
The city attorney did order Seidler-Feller to write a letter of
apology to Neuwirth in which the rabbi said he was “deeply
sorry” for his actions, but Neuwirth has called this apology
unacceptable.
Many consider Seidler-Feller, an orthodox rabbi who is
left-leaning in his politics, to be a controversial figure in the
Jewish community. News of the incident between Seidler-Feller and
Neuwirth reached as far away as Israel and polarized supporters and
opponents of the rabbi immediately after it happened.
A civil suit, filed by Neuwirth shortly after the incident, is
still pending against Seidler-Feller. A court date in early October
has been set for the lawsuit. Neuwirth is seeking an unspecified
amount in monetary reparations in the suit, said Neuwirth’s
lawyer, Robert Esensten.
Seidler-Feller’s lawyer in the civil suit, Bert Diexler,
could not be reached for comment Friday afternoon.
However, Donald Etra, who represented Seidler-Feller during the
city attorney hearing and who has been in close contact with
Seidler-Feller and Diexler, said both parties may settle the matter
out of court before October.