Ohrid, 23 February 2022 (MIA) – Members of Lev Tahor, a little-known ultra-conservative Jewish sect, who are currently staying in a hotel in a Ohrid village, say hatred directed at them is unnecessary and rejected any speculation about their activities in places where they have been staying temporarily. Speaking to members of the media, a Lev Tahor member says North Macedonia is a wonderful country where the people are good despite being not welcomed by some individuals. She says the religious group is in Ohrid as tourists to visit several Jewish synagogues and places. The group, she says, has no plans to seek permanent residency in North Macedonia, where they are allowed to stay legally for 90 days. She says Lev Tahor will leave the country in a month after arriving from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Lev Tahor is always on the move, transiting through countries before settling in one place, where it will be allowed to exercise their human rights and religious liberties, according to her. Asked to comment the hostile reaction of some locals, she says the hatred they are targeted with is unnecessary and they have been denied the right to free movement to visit some places. She categorically denies any allegations that her religious group is a terrorist organization. Some locals of the Ohrid village said they will protest against the group staying in their village. They said they fear for the safety of their children after seeing reports of alleged child kidnapping committed by Lev Tahor members. Social media was abuzz after the arrival of Lev Tahor in North Macedonia with most posts spreading fake news. A woman from Ohrid was recently charged with spreading racist and xenophobic material online after posting a threat against the religious group on Facebook. The Interior Ministry has called for tolerance and solidarity with Lev Tahor saying their stay in the country is legal and approved. Last week, The Commission for Prevention and Protection against Discrimination launched a procedure on protection against discrimination of Lev Tahor. The case is opened on the basis of origin and religious affiliation in relation to access to goods and services, the anti-discrimination commission, adding Lev Tahor’s case will be considered severe form of discrimination.