Colombian Authorities Take Action Against Controversial Sect
Colombian law enforcement conducted a dramatic raid on a hotel housing members of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish sect Lev Tahor, resulting in 17 children being taken into protective custody. The operation represents the latest chapter in the ongoing international scrutiny facing the controversial religious group.
Operation Details and Immediate Aftermath
The raid occurred on November 24, 2025, with Colombian authorities moving decisively to intervene in what they deemed a situation requiring immediate child protection measures. Emergency services and child welfare officials worked in coordination to secure the hotel location and remove the minors from the premises.
This incident marks another significant international development for Lev Tahor, a group that has faced previous legal challenges and investigations in multiple countries. The sect has been subject to scrutiny from child protection agencies in various nations over concerns about living conditions and educational practices.
Historical Context and Previous Legal Challenges
Lev Tahor has faced numerous legal battles throughout its history, including previous child custody cases in Canada. The group gained international attention in March 2014 when members were photographed in Chatham, Ontario, during emergency proceedings in a child custody case.
The sect's movements between countries have often prompted interventions from child protection authorities. Their relocation patterns have included stays in Guatemala, Mexico, and now Colombia, with each move attracting attention from local child welfare services and law enforcement agencies.
The current situation in Colombia represents the most recent intervention in what child protection advocates describe as an ongoing pattern requiring international cooperation and vigilance. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances that led to the decision to place the 17 children in protective custody.
