A reputable Crown Heights teacher has brought us information that parents need to be aware of.

As someone educated in child abuse prevention, he observed a classic case of grooming in the main shul of 770.

The teacher saw a man  - who speaks English and Hebrew - approach a child and craftily spark a playful conversation. After some time, the man proceeded to stroke the child's cheek and back. At that point the teacher intervened, telling the child his father was looking for him. He also alerted the child's father.

As the teacher continued to observe from afar, he noticed the same man quickly find another child to befriend and repeated the same grooming behavior.

We are currently investigating this matter. There was no report of direct abuse, but we feel this warrants a community alert. 

Keep track of your children in 770 or any shul. And if your gut tells you that an adult's behavior is suspicious, don't remain quiet. Let the parent or shul leadership know of a possible issue. It could be nothing. Or it may prevent an unthinkable trauma.