Guatemalan authorities rescue 160 children from Jewish Lev Tahor sect
Lev Tahor, which translates to “Pure Heart” in Hebrew, was founded in Israel in 1988 and is known for its strict interpretations of Jewish law, including long prayer sessions and arranged marriages
MEXICO CITY – In a significant operation on Friday, Guatemalan authorities rescued 160 children and adolescents from the Lev Tahor sect in the southeastern municipality of Oratorio, approximately 78 kilometers (48.47 miles) from Guatemala City. The rescue comes after allegations of child abuse, including rape, were brought to light, according to prosecutors.
The operation sheds light on ongoing concerns surrounding the practices of Lev Tahor, a fundamentalist Jewish sect that has faced accusations of abuse, forced marriages, and human trafficking for decades.
Nancy Paiz, a prosecutor with Guatemala’s Office Against Human Trafficking, confirmed the severity of the situation during a press conference:
“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.”
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Lev Tahor, which translates to “Pure Heart” in Hebrew, was founded in Israel in 1988 and is known for its strict interpretations of Jewish law, including long prayer sessions and arranged marriages. Over the years, the group has faced numerous allegations, including child marriage, kidnapping, and physical abuse.
The community relocated to Mexico and Guatemala between 2014 and 2017. A similar rescue operation in 2022 saw Mexican police free a group of children and adolescents from a Lev Tahor camp in the southern state of Chiapas. Members of the sect were arrested for their alleged involvement in abuses against minors.
The successful rescue underscores the ongoing efforts of local authorities and international organizations to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable children. The future of the rescued children and the legal proceedings against Lev Tahor members are expected to remain under close scrutiny.
This rescue highlights the importance of vigilance and accountability in addressing human rights abuses and protecting the most vulnerable members of society.
