Overview

• About ten families who had resettled in the New York area reportedly left during Shemini Atzeret and Simchas Torah and flew to Honduras.
• The families had regained custody of their children from Guatemalan authorities on the condition they separate from the sect before later regrouping in New York.
• Sources say the travel was timed for the holiday to reduce the chance of intervention by U.S. authorities, echoing prior instructions to violate Shabbat or Yom Tov.
• Honduras is described by sources as having weak child-protection systems, prompting renewed concern for the welfare of the relocated children.
• The moves come weeks after Guatemalan officials dismantled the group and follow a 2019 U.S. indictment that led to long prison sentences for leaders including Nachman Helbrans.