The leader of an ultra-Orthodox Jewish sect is expected to be extradited to Israel from Guatemala to face charges of child abuse and assault, Guatemalan legal authorities announced today (Tuesday), in what could be a potential end to a four-year manhunt.
Eliezer Rumpler, 46, a senior figure in the Lev Tahor group, fled Israel in 2020 while under indictment for allegedly abusing minors aged 9-10 during his tenure as a school principal. His arrest comes amid a broader crackdown on the sect in Guatemala, where authorities recently conducted a sweeping raid that led to the rescue of more than 160 children.
Guatemalan Supreme Court officials confirmed they will review the extradition case, though no hearing date has been set. Rumpler had evaded Israeli authorities by leaving the country on a forged passport despite an exit ban, according to Israeli court documents.
The case highlights the global reach of Lev Tahor, which Israeli prosecutors describe as an "abusive cult" that has moved across multiple continents to avoid law enforcement. The group has operated in Canada, Guatemala, and other locations over the past two decades.
Court records show that before his escape, Rumpler left a 13-page letter to the Jerusalem District Court claiming he wouldn't receive a fair trial due to public pressure surrounding the case. His attorney, Gabriel Transhvili, submitted the document explaining his client's flight.
The recent raid on the group's Guatemalan compound involved hundreds of law enforcement personnel and was triggered by testimony from four minors who had escaped the sect. Local authorities reported that the operation uncovered evidence that may lead to human trafficking charges against other leaders.
Guatemalan welfare officials report that rescued members are currently housed in state facilities, where many are refusing food and water. Social workers note that children persistently cover their faces and some have engaged in disruptive behavior requiring intervention.
The Israeli Ministry of Welfare has dispatched a delegation to Guatemala to assist local authorities in managing the aftermath of the raid and developing protocols for handling cult-related cases.
The extradition case represents a significant development in Israel's efforts to prosecute alleged crimes within ultra-Orthodox splinter groups that operate across international borders.
Kikar HaShabbat contributed to this article.
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