When a leader apologizes, it doesn’t undo the pain, but it shows survivors they matter.

After releasing my video this week, I wasn't sure what there was left to say. So much pain, so much silence, so many survivors watching powerful names protect the abuser instead of the vulnerable. But then something happened that gave us a little hope. Our rehearsal Shakita, one of the most respected Rabanam in America, shared that he had originally signed the clemency letter because he had been misled about the nature of the crimes and circumstances. Once he learned the full truth, he reached out the very next day and asked that his name be removed. He was told it was too late as the letter had been submitted. Now that the original letter became public and his name was on it, what did he do? He didn't stay quiet. He didn't make excuses. Rather, he publicly expressed regret and apologized to the victims who were hurt. That kind of leadership matters. That's not just a moral test. That is what this week's para comes to teach us. Parcus told us Jacob and Asov represent more than siblings. They represent the choice. Was loud, charismatic, impulsive. YaKob was quiet, but he carried the truth. And Rifka, she knew what was right. She didn't protect the system. She protected the future. This week, the survivors saw a letter asking for compassion for a man with no remorse. But not one word about the girl he abused. "In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends," said Dr. Martin Luther King. That's why Araf Shakar's response matters. He didn't double down. He didn't hide behind technicalities. He chose humility. He chose truth. And he reminded us all leadership means owning your voice even when it's hard, especially when others won't. So here's the turn. You don't need a title to do the right thing. You don't need a platform to stand with truth. You just need compassion, conscience and the courage to say I will not look away. And that is what this para comes to teach us that silence can be betrayal and humility can be healing. This is turning the wheel because the road to healing isn't straight but no one should have to drive alone. Have a wonderful Shabas.