Rescue Battle for ‘Lev Tahor’ Children: “There’s an Effort to Relocate Them to Other Countries”

The Israeli Knesset’s Immigration and Diaspora Affairs Committee held an urgent hearing today on the state's efforts to rescue children from the radical Lev Tahor cult in Guatemala and integrate them into Israeli society. As of now, approximately 10 families - comprising about 20 children under 18 - have already made it to Israel.

All the minors who returned are currently living with one of their biological parents and are under state supervision. However, one family is reportedly refusing to cooperate with Israeli authorities, though they remain in contact with their local municipality.

State Response: “A National Effort in Two Tracks”

Dr. Tamar Rozmarin-Ze'ev from the Prime Minister’s Office described a two-pronged approach: “We’re working both to return children still trapped abroad and to support families already here. A formal agreement was signed with the Jewish Agency and the Foreign Ministry to coordinate these efforts.”

The Welfare Ministry, responsible for reception and care, emphasized that rescued minors are legally classified as cult survivors, entitling them to a full range of state services.

Agencies Report Progress, But Gaps Remain

Ilan Avitan, who leads the Welfare Ministry’s response unit for Lev Tahor child victims, highlighted steady progress. “We’ve created a joint task force with all relevant ministries. While one family is still withholding cooperation, they are not isolated—they’re in communication with local authorities.”

National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi) representative Ludmila Eliasian noted that 19 individuals from four families have registered in their system, but only two formal claims for rights and benefits have been filed so far.

From the Education Ministry, Tirah Galinoy reported: “We know every child who arrived, but haven’t fully assessed the psychological toll yet. We aim to place them in recognized institutions this September, but some families are pushing for unregulated Haredi schools.”

The Health Ministry also raised red flags. Dr. Yuval Raveh said, “The families distrust state institutions. We’re in touch with health funds and hospitals, but while we’ve managed to provide dental and basic medical care, most families refuse psychological treatment for the children.”

International Push: “Other Groups Trying to Relocate the Children Elsewhere”

Dr. Yoel Lion, Israel’s special envoy for the Lev Tahor crisis, revealed: “Many families have already left Guatemala. Our cooperation with the Jewish Agency has a dedicated budget, but we need the families themselves to formally request aid to activate it.”

From the National Security Ministry, Odia Rubin Ben-Zaken noted that Israeli police managed to carry out “an unprecedented extradition of one of the cult’s leaders during Operation Rising Lion, despite international travel restrictions.”

Meanwhile, Orit Cohen Amir, representing families, warned of growing global competition: “There are activist groups trying to relocate these children to other countries. The government must clearly communicate the benefits and rights available in Israel before it’s too late.”

Knesset: “Need a Single Point of Contact Per Family”

Committee Chair MK Gilad Kariv concluded: “The current process is fragmented. Each family needs one appointed case manager to navigate the maze of government services. Future arrivals will pose even greater challenges especially in cases where biological parents aren’t part of the picture.”

As Israel races against time to rescue more children from the cult’s grip, the battle is not just about extraction but about rebuilding shattered lives with trust, support, and a clear path forward.