New Lead in Disappearance of Haimanot Kassaw After 991 Days
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
A vehicle linked to the 991-day-old disappearance of Haimanot Kassaw in Safed has become a new focus for investigators. The police's Lahav 433 unit is examining the car, but the family's support group claims the lead originated from private investigators. The group is again calling for the Shin Bet to take over the investigation and for public support at an upcoming rally. President Herzog has also urged authorities to escalate efforts to find the missing girl.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- A vehicle connected to the 991-day disappearance of Haimanot Kassaw in Safed is under police investigation.
- Journalist Matan Ayela reported the new lead, which has been transferred to the Lahav 433 unit.
- The family's support group claims the lead originated from private investigators and found no forensic evidence in the car.
- The support group is demanding the Shin Bet take over the investigation and has called for a public rally.
- President Yitzhak Herzog has urged authorities to intensify efforts to locate the missing girl.
A new investigative lead has emerged in the 991-day-old disappearance case of Haimanot Kassaw, a 9-year-old girl who vanished from Safed. Journalist Matan Ayela reported that a vehicle suspected of being connected to her disappearance has been located and its details transferred to Lahav 433, the Israel Police's national fraud and serious crimes unit, for examination. The investigation is focusing on who was driving the vehicle on the night of Kassaw's disappearance, whether others were present, and the route taken. Police have confirmed that a dedicated investigation team is working on the case with the highest priority, utilizing all necessary measures to find the girl, though details of ongoing operations remain confidential.
However, a dispute has arisen regarding the origin and handling of this new information. The "Haimanot Kassaw Headquarters," an organization supporting the family, stated that the lead concerning the vehicle was not a result of new police activity but was previously investigated by private investigators hired by the family. These private investigators, including Dr. Meir Carmon and Col. (res.) Yehudit Halifa, have been working on the case for over two and a half years, funded by the "Association for Haimanot." According to the Headquarters, forensic examination of the vehicle found no relevant traces, and the family was informed of this before the information was shared with the police. They also criticized the media leak of the investigation lead before the family was officially updated.
The Headquarters reiterated its call for the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) to take over the investigation, arguing that current police efforts are insufficient and that the case's handling demonstrates the need for the Shin Bet's involvement. They are urging public support for the family and participation in a rally on November 18th in Hostages Square, demanding the investigation be transferred.
President of Israel Yitzhak Herzog also addressed the case during a prayer rally, emphasizing Kassaw's place in Israeli society and urging the government, police, and Shin Bet to intensify efforts for her immediate return, expressing hope for positive answers soon.