Lev Tahor and Guatemala

I’ve heard countless times about the conflict that the Lev Tahor cult is currently experiencing in Guatemala and in Latin America. One of the most outstanding matters has been the intervention of the authorities in the ultra-Orthodox sect.

In the past few days, Guatemala has been the stage of an international attention-grabbing operation: the rescue of 160 children and adolescents from the ultra-Orthodox Jewish sect Lev Tahor, located in Oratorio, Santa Rosa, about 88 kilometers southeast of Guatemala City.

Lev Tahor, which translates to “pure heart” in Hebrew, over the years has been the subject of serious controversy and accusations in a number of countries, included Guatemala and Canada (from where they had to flee after being accused of child trafficking). Was first established in Jerusalem in 1988 by Rabbi Shlomo Helbrans, the Jewish denomination has faced multiple allegations of child abuse, abduction and child neglect.

I read not long ago about the testimony of a former member of the sect who got married at the age of 13, without consent or reason: just following the rules of the senior rabbi. He was able to escape without a trace, he told the BBC. He remembers very well how he saw minors being taken to closed rooms along with the leaders of the cult and, some time later, they were taken to take holy and spiritual baths. Very late he recognized the true intentions of the alleged spiritual leaders.

Until a few days ago, Guatemalan government authorities, in collaboration with the National Police and the Public Prosecutor’s Office, conducted a raid on the Lev Tahor complex after receiving allegations of abuse, including rape, forced marriages and human trafficking. Prosecutor Nancy Paiz reported that the evidence gathered indicated the existence of these crimes, which prompted the intervention to protect the minors. If it sounds terrible in itself, during the search of alleged Lev Tahor’s property, skeletons were also found in boxes, which has added a layer of horror to the already disturbing situation.

As expected, the cult has denied all accusations, calling the actions of the Guatemalan authorities a “religious persecution”, which sounds more than hypocritical since the history of the cult in other countries, such as Israel, the United States, Canada and Mexico, shows a similar pattern of behavior, with constant moves to evade the control of the authorities.

The Jewish community of Guatemala and director Ilan López, has stated countless times that Lev Tahor is not affiliated with their organization and has expressed support for investigations aimed at protecting the minors involved.

This particular case underscores the complexity of balancing religious freedom with the protection of human rights, especially when minors are involved. How is it possible that there are 13-year-old mothers? Who impregnated them and who is caring for them? While it is fundamental to respect religious practices, it is imperative that these practices do not infringe on basic rights or endanger the physical and emotional integrity of people, particularly children.

Guatemalan authorities, including the Attorney General’s Office and the Ministry of the Interior, have acted with determination to safeguard the welfare of minors, facing significant challenges, including resistance from sect members. (At the time of publication, the Human Rights Commissioner (Procurador de Derechos Humanos) or the institution have not made any public statement or been present at the Centro Alida España where the minors are currently being held).

In a country already facing numerous challenges, from corruption to violence and poverty, Lev Tahor’s situation is only a small reminder of the importance of justice and the protection of the most vulnerable. Not only did they expose them, for the thousandth time, but it reflects a commitment to the protection of children’s rights and the enforcement of the law against abusive practices, regardless of the religious or cultural context in which they occur.