Lev Tahor cult leader arrested in El Salvador, to be extradited to Israel

Rompler is wanted on charges of serious child abuse and attempted to leave Guatemala on a fake passport after previously being placed under a travel ban, according to reports in Israeli media.

JANUARY 14, 2025 11:00

Updated: JANUARY 14, 2025 18:53

Eliezer Rumpler, from the Lev Tahor Haredi Jewish sect arrives to the Jerusalem District Court for a court hearing on June 28, 2020. (photo credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH 90) — Eliezer Rumpler, from the Lev Tahor Haredi Jewish sect arrives to the Jerusalem District Court for a court hearing on June 28, 2020.

(photo credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH 90)

Elazar Rumpler, one of the Lev Tahor cult leaders, was arrested in El Salvador, as per Israel’s request.

Rumpler is wanted on charges of serious child abuse and attempted to leave Guatemala on a fake passport after previously being placed under a travel ban.

Guatemalan authorities have begun the process of extradition to Israel.

Rompler had previously been indicted in the Jerusalem District Court in May 2020 for the abuse of two children in the school where he served as principal in Canada between 2009 and 2011 before fleeing to Guatemala.

Various members of Lev Tahor have also been issued with INTERPOL Red Notices due to their risk of fleeing to other countries.

A Lev Tahor members demands the release of members of the community after prosecutors say Guatemalan authorities rescued several children and teenagers from the Jewish community following allegations of child abuse, in Guatemala City, Guatemala, December 21, 2024. (credit: REUTERS/Cristina Chiquin)

Large raid on compound

In December, Guatemalan authorities rescued 160 children and adolescents from the Lev Tahor cult in southeastern Guatemala after allegations of child abuse.

Reuters contributed to this report.