I am a global nomad, a crime junkie, and a woman fascinated by cults.
Born into a family that valued education and service, I was raised by my father, a chemistry professor, and my mother, a globe-trotting diplomat until her retirement in 2017. Unfortunately, my mother's dynamic career clashed with my father's academic tenure, leading to their divorce when I was eight. I, their only child, remained with my mother, while my father began a stereotypical romance with his PhD student. My mother embraced her newfound freedom to explore the most remote and intriguing corners of the world. Over the next ten years, we lived in South Africa, Spain, Greece, Turkey, and Israel.
However, the constant relocation led to social challenges and loneliness for me. Like many children of military families, I found it hard to adapt to new schools and cultures frequently. As a reserved person, I struggled to make friends in the diverse environments of either elite international schools or local institutions where I was often viewed as an American novelty.
I spent many afternoons alone, immersed in crime fiction, my favorite genre. Yet, over time, these fictional narratives became predictable and forgettable. In search of something more substantial, I discovered true crime, which captivated me with its depth, complexity, and humanity.
For college, I chose to study science, craving stability after years of constant travel. My mother and I settled in her hometown in Connecticut. However, the isolation and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019 rekindled my passion for true crime, leading me to pursue criminology studies and true crime writing.
In searching for a unique project, I turned to my international experiences. A significant true crime story in Israel caught my attention during my last college year. It centered on Goel Ratzon, a cult leader with over 20 wives and 50 children. Despite his age and frailty, his wives were young and vibrant, leaving me to wonder about their attraction to him.
While many case details were initially sealed due to Ratzon's abuse of minors, they eventually emerged through leaked court documents, media coverage, and survivor accounts. This comprehensive insight into Goel Ratzon's life became the focus of my writing.
Goel Ratzon's life could fill a novel, but the reality of his actions and their impact on numerous lives is far from fictional. He was a monstrous figure, cloaked in a guise of benevolence and spirituality. Through the stories of his wives, I have documented how Ratzon manipulated and indoctrinated these strong, independent young women, turning them into his subservient partners and mothers of his children. I invite you to join me on this journey to uncover the secrets of Goel Ratzon.