Four families escape the Lev Tahor Cult: Including 6-year-old girl and victims of child marriage

After intense efforts, four families have successfully left the cult, and a six-year-old girl has been placed in the custody of her extended family in Israel.

The most recent departure involved a family of eight, including six children. This family’s departure is in its final stages, with plans for them to relocate to the United States or Canada after the authorities complete the legal processes necessary for the children's custody transfer to their parents. Notably, the father of this family is the son of one of Lev Tahor’s leaders, marking the second son of the cult’s leadership to escape in recent weeks.

In another recent development, the first son of the cult’s leadership, along with his wife (who had been forcibly married at the age of 15), left the cult last week. The couple, with their two young children, are now en route to the US or Canada.

Two weeks ago, another Chassidic family managed to break free from the cult and arrived safely in the United States. The parents were granted full custody of their children by a Guatemalan court following the intervention of askanim, Rabbanim, and former cult members who provided critical support during the process.

One of the most heartening stories involved a six-year-old girl, who was extricated from the cult after her extended family traveled from Israel to Guatemala. The girl was placed in the custody of her grandmother, who welcomed her into a new home in Israel. According to the Guatemalan Attorney General’s Office, the transfer was completed after a thorough background check confirmed the suitability of the family to care for the child.

In total, these recent departures mark the third successful reunion of children from the Lev Tahor cult with their families in recent weeks. Askanim are continuing to provide vital housing and support to the families, helping them acclimate to life in Chassidic or Chareidi communities in the US and Canada, ensuring they receive the support they need during this challenging transition.

The successful extrication of these families highlights the ongoing efforts to rescue individuals from the oppressive and controversial practices of Lev Tahor, offering hope to others still trapped within the closed group.