Family of Missing Girl Appeals Court to Allow Protest Tent Near PM's Office

The parents of Haimnot Kassao, a girl who disappeared nearly two and a half years ago, have filed a petition with the Jerusalem District Court, alongside the Association for Civil Rights, after the Jerusalem Municipality denied their request to set up a protest tent near the Prime Minister's Office. The family seeks to establish the tent at the intersection of Sussman and Kaplan streets from September 23 to October 22, 2026, as part of their ongoing efforts to find their daughter.

Haimnot Kassao vanished on February 25, 2024, at the age of 9, from a reception center in Safed where she lived with her family. Despite extensive searches and an investigation by Lahav 433, she has not yet been found. Her parents, Tesfaye and Benchi Kassao, have been publicly advocating for increased efforts to locate her.

In recent months, the family applied to the Jerusalem Municipality on several occasions to set up protest tents in various locations, including near the Supreme Court, in front of the Knesset, and on Gaza Street at Balfour Street, opposite the Prime Minister's official residence. All these requests were denied. Following the municipality's rejection on September 16, citing concerns about sanitation, safety, accessibility, and public space disruption, the petition was filed, requesting an urgent hearing.

The petitioners argue that freedom of protest is a constitutional right, particularly in areas near government centers. They contend that the potential for minor disruption does not justify preventing a protest and that the municipality has the authority to regulate protest installations, but must do so proportionally and while upholding freedom of expression. The petition asserts that the municipality's decision was based on general considerations rather than concrete risks.

The Association for Civil Rights stated that the Kassao parents "only want to protest to decision-makers and demand that they not cease efforts to find their daughter." They added that the municipality "cannot limit this solely due to general concerns and sweeping policy." The attorneys emphasized that restricting protest rights requires certainty of serious harm, which is not the case here, and urged the municipality to approve the request.

The Jerusalem Municipality responded that the request was evaluated based on the location's characteristics, duration, and impact on public space, reiterating concerns about accessibility and public use. They stated that protest tent requests are reviewed case-by-case and that the decision does not diminish the family's struggle or their right to protest legally. The municipality also expressed sympathy for the family's pain and hope for Haimnot's safe return.