Officials in Israel have issued an international arrest warrant for a rabbi who is believed to be in Canada.

Elior Chen is wanted in connection with allegations of child abuse cases by his followers. He has not been charged with a crime.

Authorities in Israel say a three- and four-year-old were beaten with hammers and knives as punishment and for the purposes of correcting their behaviour.

One of the children suffered permanent brain damage and remains in a coma.

The children's 38-year-old mother is facing child abuse charges.

Chen is described as a spiritual mentor of the woman and two others charged in the abuse cases.

CTV's Janis Mackey Frayer told Canada AM Tuesday that there are many disturbing allegations emerging out of a court trial in Israel.

"The allegations are nothing short of chilling," Mackey Frayer said.

"They allege that people affiliated with this religious sect were abusing their children -- hitting them with hammers, breaking their bones ... even forcing them to eat feces and locking them in suit cases ... (Authorities) have some questions for (Chen) in this case."

Journals seized by authorities investigating the case have suggested that Chen's followers do not call him by name, but instead refer to him as "His Honour the King of the Messiah."

The documents also outlined some disciplinary methods used, with one entry suggesting that educators and parents "put stones on a hot plate ... when they are boiling, put them on the bodies of the children and then they will be cleansed."

The Canadian Jewish Congress issued a statement Tuesday calling on Chen, 29, to turn himself over to authorities, if he is in Canada. The CJC noted that it "is willing to assist in facilitating his surrender to Canadian authorities."

"If Rabbi Chen so desires, we encourage him to contact our offices," said Rabbi Reuven Bulka, co-president of the CJC.

With files from The Canadian Press