Grieving Sister Seeks Custody of Brother After Mother's Murder
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Bananchi, 22, is fighting to gain custody of her 5-year-old brother after he witnessed their mother's murder in Beersheba and was placed in emergency care by welfare officials. She wants to raise him and their 16-year-old sister, but officials cited trauma and the ongoing mourning period as reasons for the separation. The family has initiated a crowdfunding campaign amid criticism of the child's placement.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Bananchi seeks custody of her 5-year-old brother after he witnessed their mother's murder in Beersheba.
- Welfare officials placed the boy in an emergency shelter, separating him from his grieving sister.
- The sister emphasizes the boy's trauma and her desire to care for him and their teenage sister.
- The family has launched a crowdfunding campaign following the incident.
- Beersheba Municipality stated decisions are based on professional judgment for the children's well-being.
A 22-year-old woman, Bananchi, is seeking custody of her 5-year-old brother, who witnessed their mother Anania Kalav's murder in their Beersheba apartment. City welfare officials placed the boy in a temporary emergency shelter, separating him from Bananchi and their 16-year-old sister. Bananchi, who visits her brother daily, is distressed by the separation, especially given the trauma he experienced.
"Welfare said they can't return him here because he experienced trauma," Bananchi told Ynet. She explained that welfare officials presented her with an ultimatum: either place her brother in emergency care or have him stay with an aunt. As the aunts were unable to take him at that moment, Bananchi felt she had no choice but to agree to the emergency placement, emphasizing her desire to raise him herself.
She was informed she would not be able to see him on weekends, with her next visit scheduled for three days later. Following the murder, welfare workers arrived at the scene, and the young boy was left with 106 emergency service workers for two hours, who attempted to distract him with mobile games.
Yali Ben Ami, from the Michal Sela Forum, stated that Bananchi immediately expressed her wish to raise her siblings after the murder. She was reportedly told her brother would be placed in emergency care temporarily due to the traditional seven-day mourning period, known as 'shiva,' and that she could take him afterward. Ben Ami criticized the separation, highlighting the importance of family support during intense grief, especially for a child who witnessed such a violent event.
The Beersheba Municipality responded by expressing understanding for the family's difficult time. They stated that due to confidentiality laws protecting minors, they cannot discuss specific therapeutic considerations. The municipality affirmed that all decisions are made based on professional judgment, in accordance with the law, and for the well-being of the children, with welfare teams maintaining ongoing contact with the family. The family has launched a crowdfunding campaign.
