Lev Tahor Women on Hunger Strike as Cult Members Resist Authorities in Guatemala

Lev Tahor Women on Hunger Strike as Cult Members Resist Authorities in Guatemala

Edited by: TJVNews.com

A new and disturbing report reveals that female members of the Lev Tahor cult, currently held in protective custody in Guatemala, have initiated a hunger strike. According to a report on the Vois Es Nais web site, the women are refusing all food and water in an apparent act of defiance. Cult experts suggest this behavior aligns with established patterns of resistance among such groups, particularly when faced with external intervention.

The hunger strike coincides with the impending Supreme Court hearing on the extremist cult’s activities, following a major raid that rescued over 160 children from Lev Tahor’s custody. These events have drawn international attention to the group’s alleged abuse, indoctrination, and violent resistance to outside authority.

Since the raid, Guatemalan prison officials have reported alarming behavior among Lev Tahor members, particularly the children. VIN News detailed how these children, many of whom have been subjected to lifelong indoctrination, are exhibiting extreme resistance, including continuous face-covering and violent outbursts. Over the weekend, several incidents required medical intervention for law enforcement officers and social workers injured in altercations.

Experts interviewed by VIN News explained that such reactions are common among cult-raised children when confronted with outside authority. These behaviors often reflect years of programming that instill deep-seated fears and distrust of the outside world.

The challenges for Guatemalan authorities have been compounded by repeated acts of violence from Lev Tahor members. According to the report at VIN News, members of the group have refused to cooperate with authorities and have resorted to aggressive measures to disrupt order. On Wednesday night, women, children, and teenagers in custody attacked police and social workers, destroying furniture, shattering windows, and injuring several people with broken glass.

The violence over the past week has escalated to alarming levels. Six social workers were reportedly doused with acid and other chemicals during one attack, while multiple officers required stitches after being injured. Guatemalan authorities, including the Ministry of Social Affairs, stated that despite following protocols and attempting dialogue, the group’s aggressive behavior made resolution impossible.

The Guatemalan Secretariat of Social Welfare and other agencies are committed to ensuring the well-being of the children rescued from Lev Tahor. VIN News reported that efforts are underway to provide adequate living conditions for the children, many of whom have endured years of psychological and physical trauma. However, the challenges are immense, as these children are deeply resistant to outside intervention due to their upbringing within the cult.

On Wednesday, Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo held a phone conversation with Israeli President Isaac Herzog to discuss the welfare of the children rescued from Lev Tahor’s compound in Guatemala. President Herzog expressed gratitude for Guatemala’s efforts, thanking the government for its “rescue and assistance” of the children, according to The Times of Israel.

The investigation into Lev Tahor’s activities has already led to arrests. Last week, authorities in El Salvador apprehended Jonathan Emmanuel Cardona Castillo, a Lev Tahor member accused of human trafficking, rape, and abuse of minors. Castillo was intercepted near the border town of Ahuachapán as he attempted to cross from Guatemala into El Salvador, The Times of Israel reported.

Interpol had issued an international alert for Castillo at the end of December. The 23-year-old, who holds dual citizenship in Guatemala and El Salvador, is fluent in Hebrew and Spanish, according to Interpol’s notice. Authorities in El Salvador are coordinating Castillo’s extradition to Guatemala, where he will face prosecution for his alleged crimes.

The arrest of Castillo follows a major raid on Lev Tahor’s compound in Guatemala late last month. As The Times of Israel report detailed, the operation was initiated after four minors escaped from the community and reported allegations of human trafficking. The raid resulted in the removal of approximately 160 children and adolescents from the group, marking a significant step in dismantling the cult’s operations in the region.

Lev Tahor, often referred to as a “cult” by critics, has been accused of numerous abuses, including child marriage, exploitation, and psychological manipulation. The group has operated in multiple countries, often relocating to evade legal action.

The report in The Times of Israel emphasized the collaborative efforts between international law enforcement agencies, including Interpol, and regional authorities in Central America.

The Ministry of Social Affairs affirmed its commitment to judicial directives and the provision of care, despite the ongoing disruptions. “The teams followed protocol and sought dialogue, but the group’s aggressive behavior prevented any resolution,” the ministry stated, as cited by VIN News.

The Lev Tahor case has highlighted the dangers posed by extremist groups operating under the guise of religious communities. VIN News underscored the international urgency of addressing such groups, not only to rescue vulnerable individuals but also to provide long-term support for reintegration and deprogramming.

As Guatemala’s Supreme Court prepares to hear the case, the situation remains volatile. The hunger strike by Lev Tahor women and the violent resistance of its members underline the deep challenges faced by authorities. For now, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and recovery of the rescued children while navigating the complex legal and psychological terrain surrounding the Lev Tahor cult.