A MAN under police investigation for allegedly sexually abusing boys at a Sydney Jewish school has said senior rabbis knew of his actions but failed to report them to authorities.

NSW police are investigating allegations two men associated with the school community surrounding the ultra-orthodox Yeshiva Centre in Bondi sexually abused children during the 1970s and '80s.

Closed down ... the Yeshiva Centre in Flood St Bondi shut its doors in 2003. Credit:Quentin Jones

Fairfax Media understands there are at least four alleged victims of one man. The alleged sexual abuse occurred at the boys' homes and at a camp organised by the Yeshiva Centre.

When news of the NSW police investigation was first reported last week, the Bondi Yeshiva Centre's spiritual leader, Rabbi Pinchus Feldman, said he was shocked to learn of the allegations. ''I do not recall anyone ever coming to me with such a problem. I am shocked to hear that anything of this nature has taken place here,'' he said.