Mother and Daughter Return to Israel After 64-Day International Search
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Mali Yalomi, 50, and her daughter Lial, 23, returned to Israel on Wednesday after a 64-day international journey that began as a mysterious disappearance in Europe. After an extensive search across multiple continents, they were located in Argentina, stating their actions were voluntary. A recent report of their arrest in Namibia was a case of mistaken identity involving two Iranian citizens. Police have confirmed the case is closed and they are not suspects.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Mali Yalomi and her daughter Lial returned to Israel after being missing for 64 days.
- The mother and daughter disappeared during a trip in Europe in early August.
- They were located in Argentina, stating their actions were voluntary and planned.
- A report of their arrest in Namibia was a mistaken identity case involving two Iranian citizens.
- Israeli police confirmed the women are not suspects and the case is closed.
Mali Yalomi, 50, and her daughter Lial, 23, from Modi'in, returned to Israel on Wednesday after a 64-day journey abroad that spanned multiple continents and captivated the public. The saga began as a mysterious disappearance during a trip in Europe, leading to an international search effort. A recent report of their arrest in Namibia turned out to be a case of mistaken identity.
Police confirmed they are not suspects, not required for questioning, and face no travel restrictions, stating the case is closed and they are free to leave and return to Israel as they wish.
The journey started on August 4, when they traveled to Prague and then by train to Vienna. After losing contact on August 7, their family realized something was wrong when they missed their planned flight back to Israel on August 11. An international search was launched, involving hundreds of investigators and police forces in Israel and abroad, with Interpol and authorities in Austria, Germany, and Argentina participating. The cost of the operation was estimated at hundreds of thousands to up to a million shekels.
A major turning point occurred on August 14, when Mali and Lial were located alive on an intercity bus in Argentina, heading to Buenos Aires. A representative from the Israeli police approached them, confirming they were unharmed. Lial stated their actions were voluntary and unplanned for the extent it reached. Investigations revealed they had planned their moves, withdrawn cash, bought new phones, and used artificial intelligence in their planning. They were also reported to have visited Paraguay, Chile, and Ecuador.
The mistaken identity incident in Namibia involved two Iranian citizens who claimed to be Israeli but did not speak Hebrew, as reported by Rabbi Yosef Rahimi, a Chabad emissary who went to meet the detainees. Shortly after this was clarified, Mali and Lial were located in Athens and boarded a flight back to Israel, concluding their 64-day absence.
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