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Influential Rabbi Calls for Aid to 25 Escaped Cult Members
On Monday, October 19, 2026, global influencer Rabbi Yehuda Deutsch launched an urgent public appeal to assist 25 individuals who recently escaped the Lev Tahor cult. Comparing their plight to that of Holocaust survivors, Rabbi Deutsch described the escapees as refugees who are broken, shattered, and sick in body and soul, with no homes, families, or support systems.
3 newsrooms · 1 language · since
What happened
- 01Rabbi Yehuda Deutsch launched an appeal for 25 individuals who escaped the Lev Tahor cult, comparing them to Holocaust survivors.
- 02The 25 escapees lack basic necessities, including housing, livelihood, medical care, and psychological support.
- 03Specific details about the escapees' experiences inside the cult were withheld to protect their privacy and dignity.
- 04Kupat Ha'ir established a special emergency fund called the Lev Tahor Survivors Fund to assist the escapees.
- 05Rabbi Deutsch urged the public to donate 518 shekels, a sum representing the numerical value of the redemption of captives.
Those assisting the escapees report that they lack basic necessities, including housing, a livelihood, medical care, and psychological support. To protect their privacy and dignity, specific details regarding their experiences within the cult have been withheld.
In response to the crisis, a special emergency fund named the Lev Tahor Survivors Fund has been established by Kupat Ha'ir, also referred to as Kupa Shel Ha'ir, to help them rebuild their lives. Rabbi Deutsch urged the public to donate 518 shekels, a sum symbolizing the redemption of captives, promising significant blessings to those who contribute.
Summarized by baba from the reports of 3 newsrooms. Updated
Latest report: JDN. Read JDN’s originalThe coverage
3 newsrooms on this story
Who covered it
- LeftNone
- CentreNone
- RightNone
- Haredi3
- ArabNone
Not in the Left, Centre, Right or Arab press