NJ dad trying to get son back from Brazil to testify before congressional human rights panel

NJ dad to testify before human rights panel

TRENTON, N.J. — A New Jersey man who’s been battling in Brazilian courts to get custody of his 9-year-old son is scheduled to testify before a congressional human rights panel in Washington.

Tinton Falls resident David Goldman has been trying to get his son back since his wife took the boy to her native Brazil more than five years ago. His wife has died, but his son remains with her family.

A Brazilian judge says the boy must remain there until a final ruling in the case.

Goldman and U.S. government officials say Brazil is obligated under international law to return the boy.

U.S. Rep. Chris Smith said Thursday that Goldman will appear before the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission on Dec. 2. The panel is named for a California congressman who was the only Holocaust survivor to serve in Congress.