Family of Missing Girl Appeals Jerusalem Municipality's Protest Tent Ban

The parents of Himanot Kassao, along with the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, have filed an appeal with the Jerusalem District Court 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 from September 23 to October 22, 2026, as part of their ongoing efforts to find Himanot, who disappeared on February 25, 2024, at the age of nine from a reception center in Safed.

Despite extensive searches and an investigation by Lahav 433, Himanot has not been found for over two and a half years. Her parents, Tesfaye and Benchi Kassao, have been campaigning publicly for her return, holding demonstrations and marches in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to urge increased efforts for her location.

Previously, the family's attempts to secure permits for protest tents in various Jerusalem locations, including near the Supreme Court, the Knesset, and the Prime Minister's official residence on Gaza Street, were unsuccessful. Their latest request, submitted on September 15 to the municipality, proposed a location on the corner of Sussman and Kaplan streets, near the Prime Minister's Office.

The municipality's legal counsel rejected the request on September 16, citing potential sanitation, safety, and accessibility issues, as well as disruption to public space use from prolonged encampments. The appeal argues that freedom of protest is a fundamental right, particularly effective near government centers, and that potential disruption alone is insufficient grounds for denial.

The petitioners contend that the municipality can regulate protest setups but must do so proportionally, respecting freedom of expression. They cite previous opinions from the Attorney General emphasizing leniency in facilitating protest rights, especially near government sites. The appeal further states the municipality's decision relies on general concerns rather than concrete dangers, failing to balance its responsibilities with the parents' right to protest and demand action from decision-makers.