The Anti-Cult and Anti-Mission Department of Lev L'Achim has
found recent attempts of the Scientology cult in Israel to
lure naive Jews and to convert them. Their ploy is to publish
innocent appearing "want ads" with tempting job offers in the
daily newspapers and on street posters.
These announcements, which appear in the papers among other
job offers, invite people to call telephone numbers which are
said to be offering attractive, high-paying jobs.
These telephone numbers though, lead to Scientology cult
centers which have names such as The College of Scientology,
the Dimor Institute, Merchavim and the Business Management
College.
Those who respond to such adds are invited to take a free
"business aptitude test." After the first test, they are
invited to take additional tests and to attend workshops of
the cult, in which they are exposed to the principles of
Scientology and are urged to participate in various
activities in order to achieve "success in life."
Though the cult presents its teachings as a set of "neutral"
techniques, tools and insights for life, maranan
verabonon have determined that participation in the
activities of the Scientology cult is actual avoda
zora, and have forbidden all contact with them.
The heads of Lev L'Achim's Anti-Cult and Anti-Mission
Department are monitoring the Scientology cult's activities.
They warn people not to participate in any type of workshops
or tests without first examining who sponsors them, and
surely not before it has become absolutely clear that they
are not connected to dangerous cults.
Lev L'Achim has made its Emergency Information and Help
Center available to the community. At this center, one may
receive information on the workshops and clubs sponsored by
the cults. Its number is: 1-800-366-100.
Recently, Lev L'Achim circulated street posters and leaflets
which warn people to beware of the attempts of the
Scientologists to lure them. The posters cite the conclusions
of the Knesset's inter-ministerial committee which, a number
of years ago, thoroughly investigated various cults and wrote
in its report that participation in the cult's activities
inflicts serious psychological damage.
They call to people to be on the alert and not to be lured by
these offers. They also ask people to apprise Lev L'Achim's
information center about any suspect activity.
