Opposition Leader Meets Family of Missing Girl After 935 Days
Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the "Yashar!" party, met with Tesfaye and Wero Kassao, the father and older sister of Haimnot Kassao, who has been missing for 935 days since disappearing from a reception center in Tzfat. The meeting, held at the party's offices, also included social activist Yaffa Tvegeh, a candidate on the "Yashar!" list.
Eisenkot, sharing personal reflections on his mother's fears of Jewish child abductions in Morocco, expressed his dismay that such an event could occur in Israel today. Following the discussion, he contacted Doron Almog, chairman of the Jewish Agency, to explore ways to improve the family's living conditions at the reception center where they continue to reside while awaiting news of Haimnot.
Furthermore, Eisenkot pledged to contact David Zinay to ascertain the extent of the Shin Bet's involvement in the investigation and to urge the deployment of all necessary efforts. During the meeting, Haimnot's father requested that if Eisenkot were to become prime minister, he would officially transfer the investigation to the Shin Bet.
"We asked to be of assistance, but above all, we asked to look them in the eyes and listen to the agonizing longing for a beloved little girl whose fate is unknown," Eisenkot stated after the meeting. "It is unacceptable that in the State of Israel today, a little girl can disappear without a trace and a family remain without answers for over two years. The Kassao family must not feel alone under any circumstances. Their struggle is all of ours, it belongs to every citizen of Israel."
Eisenkot concluded by emphasizing his commitment to the cause and announced plans for another meeting within the month, expressing hope for positive developments.