An Israeli cult leader who had 32 “wives” and at least 49 children has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for a series of sexual offences.

Goel Ratzon (64), with long white hair and a flowing beard, considers himself a spiritual guru. He was convicted last month on charges of rape, sodomy, sex with a minor, indecent assault and fraud.

Ratzon, whose cult was disclosed in a 2010 television report, convinced the women he was the world’s saviour and had special powers. He threatened to harm the health of his partners and their children if they did not obey his wishes.

“I have the power to save and the power to destroy. If you do things that I forbid then I will make sure you and your children are stricken with serious illnesses,” Ratzon told his partners, according to the indictment.

Domestic slavery

Some of his partners and children remained loyal to him throughout; others told harrowing stories of domestic slavery and being forced to perform sexual acts with the cult leader.

Ratzon maintained he had done nothing wrong, and said after his arrest “petting young girls wasn’t rape”. He claimed the wives and children were free to leave the group whenever they wished and he had never formally married any of his partners.

He was accused in the indictment of forcing cult members to tattoo his name (Goel is Hebrew for redemption) and image on their bodies, and requiring them to adopt new names chosen by him.

The women had to dress modestly and the children lined up and kissed Ratzon’s feet when he entered the home.

The women were forced to break off all ties with their families and friends and all contact with the outside world, and needed his permission to leave the cult homes. They were subjected to repeated verbal abuse and humiliation by Ratzon, in order to strip them of their self-respect and independence.

He banned them from wearing sunglasses outside so he could follow their gaze. Television and internet access were allowed only with his permission.

Communal fund

The women were required to transfer their salaries and welfare cheques to a communal fund controlled by Ratzon.

One of the wives, identified as Maayan, welcomed the sentence, saying it would prevent similar cults emerging.

“The only source of happiness is that he will never return to society,” she said.

Ratzon’s son Yigal expressed surprise at the lengthy prison term, as did Ratzon’s lawyer.

“The sentencing was severe and harsh and it’s obviously hard for him to hear,” he said.