Ever walked a labyrinth, folks? I’m not talking about the Greek myth, Minotaur-type deal. I mean the maze where the walls are invisible, the exit keeps shifting, and the Minotaur is a narcissistic ex-partner who thrives on confusion and chaos. Welcome to my world, the world of an alienated parent in Israel, where the labyrinth is as intricate as Jerusalem’s winding alleyways and as elusive as the desert mirage.
Now, let me paint you a picture of this peculiar labyrinth. It’s crafted by the local Revacha here in Efrat—the child social welfare in Israel—and the Jerusalem Rabbinical Court, two entities that should be the guardians of justice and protectors of innocent children. But you know what they say about good intentions and the road to hell.
Take my situation, for instance. As an American ex-pat living in the Land of Milk and Honey, I’m engaged in an unending dance of custody battles with my narcissistic ex. We’ve got five kids between us. Five hearts are stuck in this tug-of-war. Despite shared custody, my ex shreds every court order like yesterday’s newspaper. She won’t entertain discussions or negotiate; our attorneys might as well be pen pals for all the good it does.
Rabbinical Court
This is where our story takes a darker turn. Picture this: The Rabbinical Court, supposedly the beacon of justice, steeped in millennia-old wisdom, refuses to sanction her actions. Now, that’s a bitter pill to swallow. It’s like watching a shepherd abandon his flock to the wolves, turning the sacred Tzitzit—our symbol of devotion and law—into tattered threads.
Efrat Social Services
And what about Revacha (social services)? Aren’t they supposed to shield our kids from harm’s way? Let’s say they’ve been less than stellar. Instead of the supportive arm, they’re meant to be, they’ve shown open hostility to me. For them, my pleas are nothing more than an unwelcome storm in their bureaucratic teacup. They’d rather bury their heads in the sand than address the glaring reality.
Ido Zuckerman
Even the local police, led by Zuckerman, seem allergic to truth-telling, becoming overtly hostile when their actions—or inactions—are brought to light. But you know what they say: sunlight is the best disinfectant.
These institutions, tasked with protecting our children, are aiding and abetting parental alienation. It’s as if they’ve misplaced their moral compass somewhere along the line. And while they fumble in the dark, our children pay the price.
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Parental Alienation
Parental alienation isn’t just some legalese jargon. It’s the cold, hard reality for countless kids stripped of their right to love and be loved by both parents. This isn’t just a small hiccup; it’s a deep-rooted issue gnawing away at the fabric of our society. This theft of childhood and love leaves scars that run deeper than the Dead Sea and linger longer than the age-old stones of the Western Wall.
This isn’t just about my struggle or my kids. This is about every child caught in the crossfire, every parent rendered helpless, and every family torn apart by this merciless monster called parental alienation.
Rabbis’ Contempt for the Law
The Rabbinical Court is no longer a court of justice but a mockery of Jewish law. Instead of the revered institution, it should be, it’s become a broken cog in the alienation machine, indirectly condoning this emotional abuse. It goes against Jewish principles—love, respect, and justice.
We must call out these institutions, hold them accountable for their actions, and demand change. We mustn’t let this continue in a land that has seen centuries of wisdom in the heart of a people known for their resilience and spirit. Our children deserve better.
To the courts, Revacha, and all those in a position of power, remember this: “Lo ta’amod al dam re’echa”—”Do not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor.” These children are your neighbors, and their pain is in your hands.
It’s time to turn this ship around, to pull our institutions out of the shadows and into the light. It’s time to make them see the devastation parental alienation leaves in its wake. It’s time to say, “Dayenu”—”Enough is enough”. Our children are not chess pieces in a warped game. They’re our legacy, our future.
Let’s bring about a change; let’s give our children the love and respect they deserve. The Jewish saying goes, “Whoever saves a life, it is as if he saved an entire world.” Every child saved from parental alienation is a world saved. Let’s save these worlds together.
Tips for Parents Experiencing Parental Alienation
Parental alienation is an emotionally draining, complex issue. It can feel like a never-ending labyrinth filled with dead ends and no exits. But don’t lose hope—there are ways to make it through this ordeal a little easier. Here’s what I would suggest:
• Reach out for support—Find people who understand your situation and can provide emotional support during this difficult time.
• Educate yourself about parental alienation laws—Research the legal aspects of parental alienation in your area to understand your parental rights.
• Have patience—It may take some time but don’t give up on achieving a satisfactory resolution. Remain patient and focused on finding a solution for you and your children.
• Document everything—Make sure to keep records of any court orders, enforcement attempts, or violations of the court order. This will help in case legal action needs to be taken.
• Take care of yourself—Make time for self-care and relaxation. Parental alienation can take a toll on your mental and emotional wellbeing; do what you must to to stay healthy.
Parental alienation is an emotionally taxing problem, but with the right strategies and patience, it doesn’t have to define you or your family’s future. Together we can break through this labyrinth of injustice and create a brighter tomorrow for our kids. Let’s fight for them!
Strategies to Protect You and Your Kids from Narcissistic Ex
No one should suffer the abuse of a narcissistic ex. Here are some tips to help protect yourself and your children from further harm.
• Set boundaries—If your relationship is toxic, it’s important to set clear boundaries with your ex. Don’t engage if they try to manipulate you or make unreasonable demands; stay firm and stand up for yourself.
• Document conversations—Keep track of all communication with your ex, including voicemails, emails, text messages, etc., as this can be used as evidence in court.
• Do not speak badly about their parent—It’s important to remember that no matter what happened between you and your ex, the kids still need both parents. Refrain from speaking badly about their other parent and focus on being a positive role model.
• Have an exit plan—If the situation escalates, it’s important to have an exit plan to keep you and your children safe. Make sure someone is aware of the plan and can help if necessary.
• Seek legal advice—If all else fails, consult a lawyer specializing in parental alienation cases for guidance and support. They can help advise you on protecting yourself and your kids from further abuse.
No one should have to endure the pain of parental alienation or abuse by a narcissistic ex. But with the right strategies, you can safeguard yourself and your family against further harm. Don’t give up hope, keep fighting for what’s right, and never forget that your children deserve to be loved by both parents.
About the Author
Jacob Maslow is an American ex-pat living in Israel and a devoted father to five incredible children. Amid the idyllic landscapes of this foreign land, Jacob navigates the turbulent waters of co-parenting with his ex-partner, Carol Grinberg. Their shared custody agreement has been a battleground where agreements are discarded, court orders flouted, and open discussions shunned. Jacob’s quest for effective co-parenting has seen him face these challenges and find new strength and support.
An editor of a major legal publication and a prolific writer, Jacob’s experiences have seen him turn his craft into a beacon of hope for others battling similar situations. His empathetic, conversational writing style captivates readers, enveloping them in a shared experience that encourages, enlightens, and engages. Jacob’s personal experiences woven into his work add an undeniable authenticity, allowing readers to connect on a deeper level.
In the evolving world of social media, Jacob found a platform to share his journey, connect with others, and find solace in the experiences of those who’ve walked similar paths. His work has seen him reach out to fathers in similar predicaments, offering them a platform to share, learn, and grow together. This blog post offers an inside look into Jacob’s life, struggles, and the lessons learned along the way, imparting a sense of camaraderie, guidance, and hope for those facing similar battles. His story is a testament to resilience, perseverance, and the power of social connections.
Jacob’s journey through the winding pathways of co-parenting, child custody disputes, and the incessant struggle against a narcissistic ex-partner is far from over. Yet, his resilience and unyielding commitment to his children remain undeterred, making his journey an inspiration for others facing similar challenges. For Jacob, every obstacle is another lesson, and every shared experience is an opportunity for collective growth.
