Mon Dec 23 21:31:49 UTC 2024: ## Guatemalan Authorities Recover Children After Lev Tahor Sect Break-in
**Guatemala City** – Guatemalan authorities have launched a major operation to recover over 160 children taken by members of the ultra-orthodox Jewish sect, Lev Tahor, following a police raid on their compound Friday. The raid, which targeted alleged child sexual abuse within the sect, resulted in the children being placed in protective care.
On Sunday, approximately 100 Lev Tahor relatives stormed a government shelter in Guatemala City, forcibly entering the facility and attempting to reclaim the children. Following a tense standoff with police, most of the children were recovered. However, authorities confirmed that some children evaded recapture and a search is underway.
The Attorney General’s Office stated that the sect members “broke into” the shelter, leading to scuffles with police. Prosecutor Nancy Paiz cited evidence of human trafficking, including forced marriage and abuse, as the basis for the initial raid.
Lev Tahor has vehemently denied the accusations, claiming religious persecution by Guatemalan authorities. A representative of the sect, Uriel Goldman, accused authorities of lying and fabricating false accusations.
The Jewish Community of Guatemala has distanced itself from Lev Tahor, expressing support for the government’s investigation and calling for international cooperation to protect vulnerable children. The rescued minors are currently under government protection while investigations continue. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in addressing alleged abuse within isolated religious communities.
First Piper 