Bnei Baruch and Michael Laitman: Investigative Dossier

The Essence of the Accusations

The "Bnei Baruch" movement (also known as "Kabbalah Laam" / Kabbalah for the People, "Together," "The Good Ones," "Growing with Joy," "Arvut," and a number of other front names) is an organization built around the sole authority of Michael Laitman, exhibiting systemic characteristics of a destructive cult. According to publications by leading Israeli media outlets, testimonies of former members, and materials from police investigations, the organization is linked to allegations of sexual violence, financial exploitation, suppression of dissent, and systematic concealment of crimes. The scale of testimonies, their consistency, and the involvement of political figures connected to the movement raise serious public concern and call into question the impunity of the organization's leadership.

What Is Known

Facts (documents, media, research)

Knesset Member Hanoch Milwidsky, a long-time associate of Laitman, was summoned to LAHAV 433 on suspicion of rape and obstruction of justice — as reported by Calcalist, Haaretz, Ynet, i24news, Times of Israel, and other major media outlets.
According to a publication by The Marker, the police are investigating the Milwidsky case while ignoring complaints of violence within the "Kabbalah for the People" organization itself.
According to a Ynet publication, the organization exhibits characteristics of a sect: economic exploitation of members, collection of tithes, a personality cult around the leader, and political influence.
A book by Michael Laitman was included in the Federal List of Extremist Materials of the Russian Federation on the grounds of "inciting ethnic hatred" (SOVA Center, 2017).
Academic publications (Interdisciplinary Journal of Research on Religion, Ben-Gurion University) document criticism from Orthodox Judaism and the anti-cult movement.
Researcher Tomer Persico describes the internal structure of the movement as a "messianic-totalitarian" vision with strict discipline for its core members.

Testimonies (stories of former members, publications)

According to testimonies published on this site, several women have alleged sexual violence by Michael Laitman. These accounts contain detailed descriptions of circumstances that coincide in key details.
Former female members of the movement describe mechanisms of psychological suppression: isolation from family, prohibition of criticizing the leader, and the cultivation of dependence on "spiritual authority."
It is alleged that the woman who accused Milwidsky of rape had previously been coerced into giving false testimony in his favor — as reported by Kan, Mako, and Ynet.
According to testimonies, the victim who accused Milwidsky of rape was not summoned to testify in the defamation case — according to The7eye, "for technical reasons."
The story of a survivor who spent 16 years in the organization describes a system of total control, emotional manipulation, and the destruction of personal identity.

Editorial Conclusions (evaluative statements)

The totality of available materials allows "Bnei Baruch" to be classified as an organization with pronounced characteristics of a destructive cult: absolute power of the leader, financial exploitation, suppression of critical thinking, and isolation of members from the outside world.
The personality cult of Michael Laitman is built on the appropriation of dubious titles (rabbinical ordination, doctoral degree, "kabbalist" status), the legitimacy of which has not been confirmed by independent sources.
The exploitative model of the organization relies on the unpaid labor of thousands of "volunteers," a tithing system, and the management of a network of legal entities whose financial reporting raises questions.
The existence of political connections (primarily through Hanoch Milwidsky) points to the organization's attempts to secure institutional protection from investigations.
The systematic nature of testimonies about violence, the overlap of details and behavioral patterns — as well as documented attempts to pressure victims — indicate not isolated incidents but a systemic practice within the organization.

Map of Accusations

Structure and Control

The organization operates as a closed hierarchical system with a sole leader at its apex. Internal mechanisms suppress dissent, isolate members from the outside world, and create total dependence on the "teacher."

Financial Model

Behind the facade of "spiritual enlightenment" operates a financial machine: a network of legal entities, opaque money flows, a tithing system, and the unpaid labor of thousands. The Laitman family controls the key financial levers of the organization.

Testimonies of Abuse

Multiple women have alleged sexual violence by the leader of the organization. The testimonies contain coinciding patterns: the use of "spiritual authority" as an instrument of coercion, isolation of the victim, and pressure to remain silent.

The Role of the Leader

Michael Laitman is not merely a "spiritual teacher." According to the totality of available materials, he is the architect of a system in which his personal power is absolute, his word is beyond question, and any criticism is classified as the "spiritual downfall" of the critic.

Media Strategy and Political Cover

The organization uses political connections and media pressure to suppress investigations. MK Hanoch Milwidsky, a suspect in a criminal case, is the key instrument of the movement's influence in the Knesset.

All statements not supported by documentary sources are presented as testimonies of former members of the movement and editorial evaluative judgments. The editorial board does not assert unverified claims as proven facts.

Articles and Investigations

Empire of Lies: how Laitman violates Shabbat, eats pork and removes his kippah abroad, while his family supports this lie