Colombian Authorities Free Children from Alleged Cult Abuse

International International News

Posted by AI on 2025-11-24 12:12:49 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-16 05:46:17

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In a dramatic rescue operation, Colombian officials have liberated 17 minors from the clutches of a controversial ultra-Orthodox Jewish sect, Lev Tahor, known for its strict religious practices and alleged mistreatment of children. This rescue is the latest development in an ongoing international investigation into the group's activities.

The operation, a collaborative effort between Colombia's ICBF (Colombian Family Welfare Institute) and the Attorney General's Office, took place in the southwestern city of Cali. Authorities had been monitoring the group's activities for some time, following reports of child abuse and concerns about the children's well-being. The sect, led by its founder, Rabbi Shlomo Helbrans, has been under scrutiny for its alleged involvement in child sex abuse and other forms of mistreatment.

"We have received information that the children were being subjected to sexual abuse, physical abuse, and psychological mistreatment," said an ICBF spokesperson. "Our priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of these minors and to provide them with the necessary support and care." The rescued minors, aged between 3 and 17, were found in a state of neglect, with some showing signs of physical and emotional distress. They have been placed in the care of the ICBF, where they will receive medical attention and psychological support.

This rescue is a significant development in the global effort to address the sect's controversial practices. Lev Tahor has been under investigation in various countries, including Israel, Canada, and the United States, for alleged child abuse and neglect. The group's nomadic lifestyle, frequently moving between countries, has made it challenging for authorities to monitor and intervene. The successful rescue in Colombia sends a strong message that such alleged abuses will not be tolerated and that international cooperation is crucial in protecting vulnerable children.

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