Boy Witness to Mother's Murder Placed in Emergency Care Against Family's Wishes

A five-year-old boy who witnessed his mother's murder in Beersheba and attempted to call for help has been placed in an emergency care facility by welfare authorities, despite his sister's desire to raise him. The boy's mother, Anania Kalb, 40, was stabbed to death in her apartment. Her ex-husband, the father of her children, is the suspect in the murder. The family home has been sealed by police, and Kalb's two older daughters are sitting shiva at the house.

Baanchi, the eldest daughter at 23, stated her intention to care for her younger brother immediately after the tragedy. However, she encountered bureaucratic obstacles, being told he would either go to an emergency facility or live with aunts. She expressed a strong desire to keep him with her, stating, "I want to be with my brother all the time. I ask and want him with me." During a recent visit, Baanchi and her brother, who is in severe trauma, were allowed only 10 minutes together. The separation was distressing, with the child crying and pleading to stay with his sister. When Baanchi attempted to visit again the next day, she was told she could not see him until Sunday due to weekend restrictions.

Family and friends are deeply concerned about the child's well-being, questioning his care and emphasizing his need for family support after the horrific event. Following intervention from Lily Ben Ami, sister of the late Michal Sela, Baanchi has been assigned a lawyer through the Ministry of Justice's "SNA" program to represent her in legal proceedings and with welfare authorities.

Under pressure, welfare authorities are reportedly set to allow Baanchi to have her brother for the weekend. The family and their supporters are determined to secure his permanent return to his sister's care. A crowdfunding campaign, "Embracing Three Siblings," has been launched to help the orphaned siblings rebuild their lives, covering basic needs, emotional support, and educational expenses.

The suspect, Kalb's ex-husband, was arrested at the scene after he called the police. According to a cousin, Kalb and the suspect were married for 25 years and divorced a few months prior, with the daughter reporting that the father had a history of threatening to kill Kalb. The Ministry of Social Equality and Protection stated that welfare services acted in full coordination with the family to ensure the child's best interests and that he is expected to move in with his sister starting Sunday.