Quebec police search homes of Lev Tahor

Children in Lev Tahor [Paul Lungen photo]

Quebec police searched two homes belonging to the fringe haredi sect Lev Tahor on Jan. 29. Last week’s raids took place in Chatham, Ont., where some 40 sect families reside after leaving Montreal in November.

The raid came days before an Ontario judge was set to decide whether 14 children ages several months to 16 years old, can remain with their parents in Chatham, or be placed in foster care in Quebec, where there is an outstanding order by child welfare services.

The ruling was expected Feb. 3. Also last week, a mother from the group who had two of her children, both under five, removed for five days and returned, sent an open letter to media outlets decrying harassment by authorities.

The children were removed when a mark identified by child welfare authorities as a bruise was noticed on one child’s face. The mother of three, who can’t be identified, says the mark was made by permanent marker.

That case was adjourned until April.