Family of Missing Girl Haymanot Kassaw Marks 949 Days, Appeals for Action

The family of Haymanot Kassaw marked 949 days since their daughter was last seen, continuing their public struggle for her safe return and for progress in the investigation into her disappearance. The family has established a protest tent near the Knesset in Jerusalem, after their request for a larger protest tent was denied. They are demanding a meeting with the Prime Minister and the head of the Shin Bet.

Knesset Member Gilad Kariv, Chairman of the Committee on Immigration and Absorption, visited the family's protest site to express support. Kariv stated that the public has a responsibility to ensure the case remains in focus and that investigative efforts continue. He noted that the committee has held over 26 meetings on the matter, both public and classified, to monitor the investigation's progress. Kariv emphasized Israel's obligation to protect children, particularly in Haymanot's case, as her disappearance occurred within a state-managed absorption center.

The committee's final meeting of the current Knesset session will be dedicated to reviewing the handling of Haymanot's disappearance investigation. Meanwhile, Haymanot's parents, Tesfaye and Benchi Kassaw, have been actively engaged in their public campaign.

During their protest, the family met with former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Opposition leader Yair Lapid. According to the "For Haymanot" headquarters, the family presented the investigation's status and their demands. Both Bennett and Lapid reportedly pledged to raise the issue with the head of the Shin Bet, David Zini.

A march for Haymanot's return, attended by hundreds, took place in Jerusalem, starting from the family's protest tent and concluding at the Western Wall with a joint prayer. The family expressed that public support gives them strength but reiterated their primary goal: finding Haymanot and advancing the investigation.