Abimael Guzman Reynoso

Abimael Guzman Reynoso was the founder and leader of the Shining Path (El Sendero Luminoso), a Maoist terrorist group in Peru. He was formerly a professor of philosophy at the University of San Cristobal at Ayacucho, where he was considered a legendary figure by his followers, who saw him as the "fourth sword of Marxism" after Marx, Lenin, and Stalin.¹

In 1980, Guzmán proclaimed the armed struggle against the capitalist government in Lima, and the Shining Path grew into a powerful force, leading to the declaration of martial law in the department of Ayacucho by Peruvian President Alan Garcia.¹

In 1988, Ari Ben-Menashe traveled to Peru on a secret mission for Yitzhak Shamir to secure the purchase of rare minerals for Israel's nuclear program. Ari Ben-Menashe met Guzmán at a farmhouse in Shining Path-controlled territory. Guzmán was initially suspicious of Ben-Menashe, but was impressed by his directness. He revealed his own Jewish heritage and discussed his philosophy, which blended Inca and kibbutz ideology, and his views on equality and family.¹

Guzmán agreed to sell the minerals to Israel for $10 million, to be deposited in a Swiss bank account. He also requested that Israel purchase a chain of five small newspapers, the Ocho Group, on the movement's behalf, and provide medical equipment to be brought on the Cessnas transporting the minerals.¹

Guzmán was, according to rumors recounted by Ari Ben-Menashe, dead of cancer in 1990, but he continued to lead the Shining Path. He was captured in 1992 and was imprisoned.¹