Mother Recounts How Suspect Exploited Son's Innocence in Bnei Brak Kidnapping

The mother of a 10-year-old boy, who was found after an extensive search in Bnei Brak, revealed the manipulative tactics used by the suspect who allegedly abducted him. The suspect, a 20-year-old man from Jerusalem, approached the boy and other children at a soccer field in Petah Tikva, initially frightening them. He then preyed on the boy's innocence, claiming he had been kicked out of his home, was hungry, and had no money, especially since the boy had recently lost his phone.

The mother explained that the suspect used her son to solicit money from people in the area, posing as the boy's father and telling manipulative stories. At one point, someone gave the suspect 100 shekels. The suspect then offered the boy pizza and convinced him to travel with him on a bus to Bnei Brak, promising to take him home.

During the bus ride, the suspect continued to gain the boy's trust by giving him gifts, including a gold chain, and sharing personal stories about being in prison and a military deserter. He told the boy these stories to evoke sympathy and compassion.

The ordeal ended when an observant woman recognized the boy from public reports about his disappearance and alerted the police. Extensive police searches, aided by technological tools, led to the boy's location in Bnei Brak with the suspect. The suspect was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping and is expected to have his detention extended by five days.

The mother expressed the profound fear and insecurity the incident has caused her family, stating, "It's a terrible feeling if a ten-year-old boy can't go out and play with his friends." This incident follows a series of recent kidnapping cases handled by security forces.