In a dramatic escalation of the Lev Tahor cult crisis, women members are now refusing all food and water while in protective custody, Guatemalan authorities reported today (Sunday) - a response that cult experts say follows a predictable pattern of resistance.
The development comes as the country's Supreme Court prepares to hear a case involving the controversial ultra-Orthodox Jewish sect, following a massive raid that rescued over 160 children.
Guatemalan prison officials report that children from the group, many covering their faces continuously, have become increasingly volatile. Several incidents of violent outbursts required medical attention for both law enforcement and social workers over the weekend. Experts note such behavior is typical of cult-raised children when confronted with outside authority, often reflecting years of programming and deep-seated fears of the outside world.
The standoff follows last month's pre-dawn operation where hundreds of police officers, soldiers, and mental health professionals stormed the cult's compound. The raid was prompted by alarming testimonies from four minors who had escaped, providing authorities with detailed accounts of alleged abuse.
It's a highly complex situation. These are deeply traumatized individuals who view any outside intervention as a threat, but the behavior isn't unique to Lev Tahor. Whether it's the Jonestown tragedy, the Branch Davidian standoff, or cases involving FLDS compounds, these groups often respond to intervention with unified resistance strategies, particularly around food and interaction with authorities.
The Israeli government has announced it will dispatch a specialized welfare delegation to Guatemala to assist local authorities, marking an unprecedented level of international cooperation in handling the group. The move reflects growing concern about the cult's activities, which have sparked controversies across multiple countries over the past decade.
Authorities are reportedly preparing human trafficking charges against the group's leadership, though no arrests have been made. Evidence seized during the raid, including computers and phones, is currently under investigation.
The Lev Tahor group, often referred to as the "Jewish Taliban" due to their extreme practices, has faced legal challenges in multiple countries, including Canada, Israel, and the United States. Their current resistance in Guatemala follows patterns seen in previous encounters with authorities, suggesting their indoctrination remains powerful even in custody.
The Supreme Court's hearing date has yet to be announced, as authorities grapple with providing appropriate care for the cult members while respecting their religious beliefs.
Kikar HaShabbat contributed to this article.
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