Family of Missing Girl, Missing 936 Days, Shares Emotional Plea

Nine-year-old Haimenot Kassao has been missing for 936 days since disappearing from an absorption center in Safed on February 25, 2024. Security footage shows her entering the facility, but not leaving. Her family has remained at the absorption center, believing she may find her way back there. Her mother, Benchi Kassao, described her ongoing grief and search in an interview, sharing dreams where Haimenot promises to return. The mother feels her daughter is nearby and continues to search for her in local streets and parks. The family still resides in the old absorption center, despite most residents having moved, hoping Haimenot will return to a familiar place. Questions remain about her disappearance, including an unmonitored exit from the center near a synagogue, which the family has raised with authorities.

The police have stated that a dedicated investigation team within Lahav 433 is treating the case with the highest priority. They explained that a police helicopter was not immediately deployed due to airspace restrictions related to ongoing fighting, and a later request was approved but yielded no results. The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) joined the search in late August, utilizing digital tools, under the directive of the Prime Minister's Office, which pledged continued state and security agency efforts. The Shin Bet confirmed its support for the police investigation but declined to provide details on its operations due to the active nature of the inquiry.

Despite these efforts, the family feels there has been no significant development leading to Haimenot's return. Following a recent meeting with Lahav 433 representatives, Haimenot's father, Tesfaye, expressed dissatisfaction with the investigation's progress and reiterated calls for Shin Bet involvement, demanding answers about his daughter's fate. Benchi Kassao also raised concerns about differential treatment, suggesting that a child with lighter skin might have been found within 24 hours, citing other cases of missing children who were quickly located.

Amidst the pain, the family maintains hope. Three months ago, they welcomed another daughter, whom Haimenot has not met. Benchi shared that Haimenot loved children and expressed a desire for her daughter to meet her younger sister. Haimenot remains a constant presence in their home, with her siblings saving items for her. As Yom Kippur approaches, Benchi appealed to the public to view Haimenot as their own daughter and to continue seeking her, emphasizing that "this could be your daughter." She also sent a message to Haimenot, assuring her she is not alone and that the family is searching and praying for her.

The family plans to hold a demonstration in Jerusalem's Paris Square on September 23rd to advocate for continued search efforts and increased resources for locating Haimenot.