Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu Criticizes Security Response in Mysterious Disappearance of Ethiopian-Israeli Girl

Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu of Safed spoke out sharply regarding the ongoing investigation into the mysterious disappearance of Haimnot Kesao, a young Ethiopian-Israeli girl who vanished from a reception center in Safed. In an interview on the podcast "Hakol Patuach" hosted by Avi Shoshan, Rabbi Eliyahu expressed frustration with the security forces, particularly criticizing the failure to deploy all available resources immediately. He stated that if the Shin Bet had acted promptly, Kesao would likely have been found, emphasizing that a child does not simply disappear without cause.

When asked directly about his theory, Rabbi Eliyahu suggested that Kesao was kidnapped, explaining that the perpetrator might have assumed that because she is Ethiopian, her disappearance would attract less attention. He firmly believes Kesao is still alive and possibly working as a domestic worker somewhere, urging authorities to intensify search efforts until she is found.

Addressing public concerns about ethnic bias affecting the investigation, Rabbi Eliyahu bluntly claimed that if Kesao had been a white child, she would have been found by now. He acknowledged the harshness of this statement but insisted his role was to confront uncomfortable truths. He concluded by calling for a fundamental change in Israeli society’s attitude toward Ethiopian immigrants, highlighting their contributions in the military and broader society.