burnt holy book
Photo: Courtesy of Tel Aviv District Police
Suspicion: Cult members slaughter cat, burn holy books
Five Ramat Gan youths arrested on suspicion of using abandoned building to perform Satan-worshipping rituals
Five Ramat Gan youths aged 11 to 14 were detained on suspicion of carry out devil-worshipping rituals in an abandoned building in the city over the period of several months. The youths are suspected of burning holy books and slaughtering a cat.
During their investigation, the youths confessed to the allegations against them, and police sources said the five had difficulty understanding the significance of their actions.
The police probe revealed that the teens sprayed cult symbols on the floor and walls of the abandoned structure, including the number 666. They also used to building for their rituals, which included the prayers and the burning of holy books. They would stand in a circle around the symbol sprayed on the floor, light candles, and hold hands.
While one member would give praise to the devil, the others would set fire to the holy books at the center of the circle, and would also defecate on them. The teens also confessed to slaughtering a cat on one occasion as part of a ritual.
Symbol found in abandoned building (Photo: Courtesy of Tel Aviv District Police)
One of the minors was found to be in possession of a knife, and police are examining whether the instrument was used in their rituals.
The teens, some of which have criminal records of damaging property and violence, were released to house arrest after being questioned. Police foresee further arrests in the affair.
The youths' computers were confiscated, as police suspect part of the cult members' communication was held over the internet. Police also believe the group's actions are part of the cult's larger activity in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area.
Elements involved in the investigation called the case "a very serious incident". Police detectives arriving at the building that was used by the group were shocked by what they found there, and said it was reminiscent of the "Kristallnacht" pogrom.
Police have also informed the city's welfare services of the affair as part of the youths' treatment.
