Family of Missing Girl Demands Shin Bet Take Over Investigation
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
The family of Haimanot Kassaw, missing since February 2024, is demanding the Shin Bet take over the investigation from the police, citing a lack of progress and lost faith in law enforcement. At a Knesset committee meeting, her father expressed despair, while her mother questioned potential discrimination in the investigation's scope. Police acknowledged no breakthrough but vowed continued efforts. The committee chairman noted ongoing involvement of security bodies and will monitor the Shin Bet's role.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Haimanot Kassaw's family wants the Shin Bet to take over her investigation from the police.
- The family has lost faith in the police's ability to find Haimanot after nearly three years.
- Police admit there has been no breakthrough in the investigation into the February 2024 disappearance.
- Haimanot's mother questioned if discrimination affects the level of state involvement in the search.
- A Knesset committee has held 32 discussions on the case, with the Shin Bet already involved.
- The family is seeking additional state support and assistance with relocating to Jerusalem.
The family of Haimanot Kassaw, who disappeared from a reception center in Safed in February 2024, is demanding that the investigation be transferred from the police to the Shin Bet security agency. During a Knesset committee discussion on Monday, her father stated that the family has lost faith in the police's capabilities, noting that two years and eight months have passed without any leads.
The police representative acknowledged that there has been no breakthrough in the investigation, expressing determination to find answers but admitting there was no immediate news. The father, Tafasai Kassaw, appealed for the police to declare their inability to find his daughter and hand the case over to the Shin Bet, emphasizing that Israel's technological prowess has not helped locate her.
Haimanot's mother, Banchiyahu Kassaw, recalled a meeting with the Prime Minister eight months prior, where he promised to deploy all necessary resources, a promise she feels has not been fulfilled. She questioned whether skin color or financial status influences the decision to involve the Shin Bet, urging their immediate intervention.
Knesset Member Gilad Kariv, who chairs the committee, stated that 32 discussions, many classified, have been held on the matter since Haimanot's disappearance. He indicated that while the police remain responsible, they are receiving assistance from other security bodies, and the question of who is in charge is less critical than the ongoing investigation. The committee will continue to ensure the Shin Bet's involvement and improve communication with the family.
The family's lawyer, Dror Matityahu, criticized the delay in transferring the case to Lahav 433 and the lack of results, stating that only the Prime Minister can order the full transfer to the Shin Bet. Haimanot's sister, Irosalem Kassaw, also criticized a campaign using an AI-generated image of the child, which she said did not resemble her sister, and highlighted the family's need for state support. The Ministry of Aliyah and Integration pledged assistance for the family's potential move to Jerusalem to facilitate their advocacy efforts.
Mentioned
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Centre 1Haredi 1
