Guatemalan authorities raid an extremist Jewish sect compound, rescuing over 160 minors amid allegations of abuse and human trafficking. After several complaints, the authorities managed to rescue 160 minors from the Orthodox Jewish sect Lev Tahor.
Guatemalan Authorities Take Action Against Lev Tahor
In a decisive move, Guatemalan forces conducted a large-scale operation against the controversial ultra-Orthodox Jewish sect known as Lev Tahor. The raid, which took place about 55 miles southeast of Guatemala’s capital, resulted in the rescue of over 160 minors and 40 women who were taken into protective custody. The action came in response to disturbing allegations of abuse, forced marriages, and human trafficking within the secluded community.
BREAKING: Jewish compound raided. 160x children were rescued. After several complaints, the authorities managed to rescue 160 minors from the Orthodox Jewish sect Lev Tahor. @realstewpeters https://t.co/L53GpkxEqT
— RyanMatta 🇺🇸 🦅 (@RyanMattaMedia) December 21, 2024
Interior Minister Francisco Jiménez emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “The protection of boys and girls is an absolute priority.” The operation involved a substantial force of nearly 480 police officers, soldiers, prosecutors, and psychologists, highlighting the seriousness with which Guatemalan authorities approached the matter.
The 160 children rescued from the Jewish Lev Tahor sect in Guatemala are facing a terrifying new threat.
Sect members have reportedly forced their way into the compound where the children were being sheltered, abducting several boys, girls, and adolescents, and scattering them… pic.twitter.com/IFaj5Y4L5m
— Shadow of Ezra (@ShadowofEzra) December 23, 2024
Allegations and Evidence
The raid was precipitated by a complaint filed in November detailing grave accusations against the Lev Tahor community. These included forced pregnancies, mistreatment of minors, and rape. During the operation, authorities gathered evidence and conducted thorough searches of the compound.
“We suspect a community member committed these crimes,” said Mr. Jiménez y Jiménez, indicating the internal nature of the alleged offenses.
In a chilling development, the Attorney General’s Office reported finding suspected bones of a child during the raid. This discovery led to an expanded search for possible hidden graves on the premises, raising concerns about potential deaths of minors within the sect.
A History of Controversy
Lev Tahor originated in Jerusalem in the 1980s and has a long-standing history of legal troubles across multiple countries. The sect’s extreme interpretation of Jewish law and isolationist practices have drawn scrutiny from authorities and concern from mainstream Jewish communities.
“At no point is this an action against a religious community,” emphasized Erick Eduardo Schaeffer Cabrera, clarifying that the raid was focused on protecting vulnerable individuals rather than targeting religious beliefs.
Previous legal actions against Lev Tahor include the arrest of sect leaders near the Guatemalan border by Mexican authorities in 2022 and the conviction of two leaders in New York in 2021 for kidnapping and child sexual exploitation. These incidents underscore the persistent concerns surrounding the group’s practices and treatment of its members, particularly minors.
International Implications
The raid on the Lev Tahor compound in Guatemala has international implications, given the sect’s presence in multiple countries, including Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Israel. The group’s ability to move across borders has complicated efforts to address allegations of abuse and exploitation.
Ms. Paiz García, a Guatemalan official involved in the operation, stated, “We could establish that these minors have indeed experienced forms of human trafficking,” highlighting the cross-border nature of the alleged crimes.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are considering charges related to human trafficking, forced pregnancy, mistreatment of minors, and rape. The international community will likely be watching closely as Guatemala takes steps to address these serious allegations and protect the welfare of the children and women involved.
Sources:
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/20/world/americas/guatemala-raid-ultra-orthodox-jewish-sect.html
