Stop the Antisemitism!

Lev Tahor Survivors is troubled by the amount of posts on social media using the current news for anti-semitic propaganda purposes. We'd like to address the more subtle Jew-hating posts, because they are harder to spot.

Example #1:

In this post, the author is purposely using factually correct information (avoiding community notes.) What he's not using in his description is the name "Lev Tahor" or the term "cult". He also omits all details. We believe this is purposely done to paint a negative image of Jews in general.

Which is why the author also uses an old video of the cult, even though there are hundreds of new videos of the actual raid and news story. This old video fits the stereotype that many Jew-haters use in their propaganda. The problem with all the newer footage is that the cult changed their garb a few years ago. Their new garb looks more cult-like and is not the traditional Hasidic garb.

The leadership decided to change the garb after they were sent to prison. The clothing change was a move to prevent cult members from assimilating into Hasidic communities - with the absence of most of the leaders.

Some people in this video are no longer in the cult.

Example #2:

This screenshot has been posted by many people on social media. It has been posted even by many well-intentioned Jewish accounts. What many don't realize is the screenshot has been altered.

The original article doesn't include the image of that Hasidic man. That man is and never has been a member of Lev Tahor. And we can confidently state that as former members.

A reverse image search shows this image used on many antisemitic websites representing "the Jew" because it probably fits the look they're going for. Whoever originated this altered screenshot snuck anti-Jewish propaganda so subtly that even Jewish supporters have been sharing this image.

If you read the actual article where this screenshot was taken from, you'll see an image (below) of a Lev Tahor cult member that looks nothing like his replacement (above).

Lev Tahor Guatemala Rescue

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lev Tahor Survivors Express Heartfelt Gratitude to Guatemalan Authorities for Rescuing Women and Children

We, the Lev Tahor Survivors, a group comprising former members who have escaped the Lev Tahor cult along with dedicated volunteers from the Jewish community, extend our deepest gratitude to the Guatemalan authorities for their courageous and compassionate efforts in liberating those who were trapped within the confines of the Lev Tahor cult. Their intervention has brought hope and the possibility of a new beginning to the men, women, and children who have endured years of suffering.

We particularly thank the hard work of the PGN (Procuraduría General de la Nación), Attorney General Julio Saavedra, Interior Minister Francisco Jimenez, and the many others who took action to end the years of suffering within Lev Tahor.

This handout picture released by the Guatemalan Attorney General of the Nation's Office (PGN) shows members of the PGN taking part in a child rescue operation at a Lev Tahor farm in the municipality of Oratorio, Guatemala, on December 20, 2024 (Handout / Guatemalan Attorney General of the Nation's Office / AFP)

This raid was not only about rescuing women and children; it was about protecting basic human rights, restoring dignity, and offering a chance at freedom to those who had been deprived of it for far too long.

We commend the professionalism and sensitivity demonstrated by law enforcement and child protection officials during the operation. It is crucial that rescued individuals receive comprehensive support as they transition to a new life.

As Lev Tahor Survivors, supported by the broader Jewish community, we stand against the abusive tactics of the cult. We wish for all members to continue practicing Judaism in a healthy environment, free from abuse and manipulative control by cult leaders.

We urge the international community to take note of this significant step taken by Guatemala and to join efforts to ensure that survivors are supported with access to medical care, psychological counseling, education, and housing. Recovery from the trauma inflicted by Lev Tahor will require time and resources, but with continued support, healing is possible.

LevTahorSurvivors.com

@LevTsurvivors

Weingarten brothers convicted of child exploitation, kidnapping

“The defendants’ conduct—which included forced child marriages, physical beatings and family separations—is unthinkable,” stated the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.

Yakov Weingarten, one of three brothers on trial in the kidnapping plot to return two children to the ultra Orthodox Lev Tahor sect

(March 28, 2024 / JNS)

Three leaders of the Guatemala-based Jewish extremist group Lev Tahor (“pure heart”)—Yoil Weingarten, Yakov Weingarten and Shmiel Weingarten—were convicted of child exploitation and kidnapping.

The three kidnapped a 12-year-old boy and transported a 14-year-old girl “outside the United States to continue a sexual relationship with her adult male ‘husband,'” the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Southern District of New York said on Wednesday.

“With this verdict, all nine Lev Tahor leaders and operatives charged for these heinous crimes have been held accountable,” the U.S. Justice Department stated.

“The defendants’ conduct—which included forced child marriages, physical beatings and family separations—is unthinkable and has caused irreparable harm to children in their formative years,” it added. “Whether in the name of religion or any other belief system, subjecting children to physical, sexual or emotional abuse will never be tolerated by this office.”

Lev Tahor, a cult that has been described as “the Jewish Taliban” due to its rigid dress code, was founded by anti-Zionist rabbi Shlomo Helbrans in Jerusalem in 1988.