Dassi Erlich: In Bad Faith

Dassi Erlich shares a powerful story of survival at her first public Melbourne appearance.  

‘Owning my story has been a vital part of my journey...I hope it will resonate with those who are struggling to come to terms with their own trauma.’ – Dassi Erlich 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 will discuss her new memoir, In Bad Faith, and its honest reckoning with secrecy and power. She’ll share 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. Featuring an introduction by the memoir’s co-author, journalist Ellen Whinnett, this event is hosted by award-winning journalist and author Sarah Krasnostein, who reported on the trial of Leifer. Unfortunately, Sarah Krasnostein will no longer be appearing at this event.  

Please note this event may include references 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