Amidst ongoing investigations, Guatemalan authorities take decisive action to safeguard at-risk children from a controversial Jewish sect.
Guatemala Police Engage with Jewish Sect in Child Rescue Operations
Guatemala Police Engage with Jewish Sect in Child Rescue Operations
Clashes erupt as authorities protect children rescued from Lev Tahor movement amid allegations of abuse.
Guatemalan authorities are facing a tense standoff with members of the Lev Tahor sect following a police raid that rescued 160 children from potential abuse. The operation, which took place on Friday at a farm utilized by the sect, led to claims of severe mistreatment, including allegations of forced pregnancies and sexual offenses against minors.
Interior Minister Francisco Jimenez highlighted that the children were removed from the Lev Tahor’s care based on reports of abuse by a sect member. In an attempt to regain custody of the children, approximately 100 sect members stormed a care facility where the children were being sheltered, resulting in altercations with police.
The Lev Tahor sect has garnered international attention for its extremist practices, including advocating child marriage and imposing severe disciplinary measures on both adults and children. Female members are particularly subjected to stringent dress codes, often requiring them to wear robes from a young age.
Following the raid, some relatives of the children gathered outside the care center, demanding their immediate return. However, their efforts to forcibly reclaim the children were thwarted by law enforcement, who successfully secured the children and transported them back for protection.
Authorities had previously sought access to the Lev Tahor farm to evaluate the welfare of the children but were blocked by sect members. Estimates suggest that roughly 50 families associated with the sect reside in Guatemala, alongside communities in the US, Canada, and other nations.
In a show of solidarity with the government, the Jewish Community of Guatemala has distanced itself from the Lev Tahor movement, emphasizing that their practices do not align with mainstream Jewish values. The community has urged for thorough investigations to ensure the safety of minors and vulnerable individuals at risk due to the sect’s practices.
