MEXICO CITY – In a significant operation on Friday, Guatemalan authorities rescued 160 children and adolescents from the fundamentalist Jewish sect Lev Tahor in southeastern Guatemala. The intervention followed allegations of severe child abuse, including instances of rape, as confirmed by prosecutors.
Significance of the Operation
The rescue, conducted in the agricultural municipality of Oratorio, located 78 kilometers (48.47 miles) southeast of Guatemala City, underscores persistent concerns regarding the controversial practices of Lev Tahor. This sect has faced repeated accusations of abuse and criminal activity in recent years.
Prosecutor’s Statement
“Based on the statements of the complainants, the evidence obtained, and the medical examinations, it was possible to establish that there are forms of human trafficking against these minors, such as forced marriage, abuse, and related crimes,” explained Nancy Paiz, a prosecutor with Guatemala’s Prosecutor’s Office Against Human Trafficking, during a press conference.
Background on Lev Tahor
Founded in 1988 in Israel, Lev Tahor follows an austere interpretation of Judaism characterized by prolonged prayer sessions and arranged marriages. The group, whose name translates to “Pure Heart” in Hebrew, has been embroiled in allegations of kidnapping, child marriage, and physical abuse since its inception.
Between 2014 and 2017, the sect relocated to Mexico and Guatemala. In 2022, a police operation in Chiapas, a Mexican state bordering Guatemala, freed several children and adolescents from a Lev Tahor encampment. Members of the sect were subsequently detained on suspicion of committing abuses against minors.
Response from the Jewish Community in Guatemala
The Jewish Community of Guatemala emphasized in a public statement that Lev Tahor is not affiliated with its organization. It expressed full support for authorities in their investigation, advocating for the protection of vulnerable groups, particularly minors.
The statement also urged the governments and diplomatic representatives of countries whose nationals are associated with Lev Tahor to collaborate in safeguarding individuals whose rights are at risk.
This latest operation reflects broader efforts to combat human trafficking and protect children from harm, shedding light on the enduring challenges posed by the practices of Lev Tahor.
