Workers in the Zoglobek food factory in the North have
recently presented shocking testimony to the heads of the
Pe'ilim-Lev L'Achim organization's Department for the Battle
Against Cults. They describe the prolonged pressures exerted
on them to participate in workshops in methods of the
Scientology cult. "We live in constant fear and feel
threatened," say factory employees.
At the same time, grim testimony has been presented by
workers who have been fired from their jobs at Zoglobek after
refusing to yield to pressure exerted upon them to
participate in activities of the Scientology cult. It has
also been learned that a number of workers have suffered from
trauma as a result of membership in that cult.
Last week, a group of factory workers met with
representatives of Lev L'Achim's Department for the Battle
Against Cults, asking for protection for them and their
fellow workers. Members of the group hope that Zoglobek's
directors will to come to their senses and call an immediate
halt to these terrible occurrences. The group is also worried
about the possible outcome of a public battle against
Zoglobek, which employs approximately 1,000 workers in a
number of factories throughout the country.
Lev L'Achim has launched a widespread public battle against
Zoglobek. It adamantly demands that Zoglobek's directors stop
wielding their power as employers in order to force workers
to join this dangerous cult. It is providing fired workers
with legal counsel. Lev L'Achim has demanded that the Labor
and Welfare and the Health Ministries, as well as the
Histadrut protect the rights of the workers.
The Scientology cult has been outlawed in many countries
throughout the world. A number of years ago, a Knesset
investigation committee headed by then-MK Taasa-Glazer
determined that Scientology was a most dangerous cult which
exerts tremendous pressures on those joining.
As the battle against Zoglobek gains impetus, Lev L'Achim has
approached the bodies granting kashrus certification
to Zoglobek products, apprising them of the severity of these
goings-on at the factory.
Lev L'Achim has announced that it will continue its struggle
against the company. "It is inconceivable that an Israeli
company use its authority to compel workers to go against
their religion and beliefs and join this dangerous cult,"
they announced.
