Family Erects Protest Sukkah in Jerusalem Demanding Shin Bet Accountability

The family of Haimnot Kassao, who has been missing for 942 days, erected a protest "sukkah" (a temporary hut used during the Jewish festival of Sukkot) near government offices in Jerusalem on Wednesday. The family stated they would remain there until the Shin Bet security agency takes responsibility for the investigation into her disappearance.

"We were building a sukkah anyway and chose to move it to Jerusalem because we want the public to hear, to know, to help, and to come pray and spend the holiday with us," said Tesfaye, Haimnot's father. He added that they would stay until the Shin Bet accepts responsibility for the investigation file.

The sukkah was erected about a week after the Jerusalem Municipality denied the family's request to set up a protest tent outside the Prime Minister's residence, a decision the family appealed to the High Court of Justice. President Isaac Herzog had previously told the Kassao family in late August that the Shin Bet was already involved in the investigation, but no progress has been reported since then.

The family described the sukkah as a symbolic act of remembrance and prayer for unity, stating they feel like they are on a "journey in the desert" in their struggle, as Haimnot is not yet home. Earlier, a protest was held near the Prime Minister's residence, attended by Shelly Sham Tov, mother of Omer, who was abducted on October 7th and returned to Israel less than a year ago.

Sham Tov expressed her difficulty speaking, saying the experience brought back memories of her son's captivity. She added, "I am ashamed because I feel that I, too, have somewhat forgotten Haimnot and her family, and that Israel has also forgotten." She believes the lack of progress is due to insufficient public pressure, not ill will, and wished no one the pain of having a missing child.