Missing Boy, 10, Found Safe in Bnei Brak with Jerusalem Man

A 10-year-old boy named Yahli from Petah Tikva, who had been missing since Monday evening, was located hours later in Bnei Brak accompanied by a 20-year-old man from Jerusalem. Both were brought to the Petah Tikva police station overnight, where the suspect was arrested and detained. He is expected to appear in court as the investigation progresses.

Yahli's mother, Shiran Shabtai Sofer, described the ordeal, stating that Yahli initially didn't understand the gravity of the situation, feeling pity for the suspect. She explained that the incident began when the suspect approached Yahli and his friends playing in a field, demanding money. After the other children fled, Yahli remained, and the suspect allegedly manipulated him by claiming he had been kicked out of his home and had no money. The suspect then reportedly used Yahli to solicit donations, receiving 100 shekels from someone before taking Yahli on a bus to Bnei Brak.

The mother recounted how Yahli was eventually found through tracking the suspect's phone, with reports of them being seen in Bnei Brak leading to their discovery. She shared her initial confusion and panic, noting the swift community response after she posted Yahli's picture. Realizing he wasn't in the neighborhood, her anxiety intensified.

The police confirmed that officers from the Petah Tikva station initiated a search after receiving the report of the missing child. Extensive searches, including technological means, were conducted. Officers from the Bnei Brak station, part of the Tel Aviv district, located the minor and the Jerusalem resident in Bnei Brak. An investigation has been opened to clarify the circumstances of the incident.