Influential Rabbi Compares Escaped Cult Members to Holocaust Survivors
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Influential Rabbi Yehuda Deutsch has launched an appeal for 25 former members of the Lev Tahor cult, comparing their situation to Holocaust survivors and calling their rescue "redemption of captives." The escapees are described as having no support system and are in dire need of housing, livelihood, and medical and psychological care. Rabbi Deutsch is urging the public to donate 518 shekels to an emergency fund established to help them, promising blessings in return.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Yehuda Deutsch compared 25 Lev Tahor cult escapees to Holocaust survivors.
- Deutsch called the rescue of the escapees "redemption of captives" and urged public aid.
- The 25 individuals lack basic necessities like housing, livelihood, and medical care.
- A special emergency fund, 'Lev Tahor Survivors Fund,' has been established to assist them.
- Donations of 518 shekels are requested, with promises of blessings for contributors.
Influential Rabbi Yehuda Deutsch has issued a rare public appeal for 25 individuals who escaped the Lev Tahor cult, comparing their plight to that of Holocaust survivors and calling their rescue a form of "redemption of captives." Deutsch described the escapees as "Jews who were saved from the Shoah," emphasizing their complete lack of support, stating they are "broken, shattered, sick in body, in soul." He drew parallels to the aftermath of the Holocaust, when Jews wandered the streets until someone offered a helping hand, noting that those who saved lives then "merited to establish generations."
Details about the escapees' experiences within the cult were withheld to protect their privacy and dignity. However, those assisting them report a dire situation where the individuals lack basic necessities such as housing, livelihood, medical care, and psychological support needed to rebuild their lives. Rabbi Deutsch urged the public to participate in this mitzvah by donating 518 shekels, the numerical value of "pidyon shvuyim" (redemption of captives), in their respective currencies.
Deutsch promised significant blessings to those who contribute, including personal salvation from problems, homes filled with blessings and joy, healthy children, and success in all endeavors. Following his appeal, the organization Kupa Shel Ta'arot established an emergency fund, 'Lev Tahor Survivors Fund' (number 5987), to aid the escapees in their initial steps outside the cult, with the requested donation amount set at 518 shekels.
