Family Demands Shin Bet Intervention as 900 Days Pass Since Ethiopian Girl's Disappearance in Israel

The family of 9-year-old Heimenot Kasao, who disappeared in Safed nearly 900 days ago, protested outside the Shin Bet headquarters in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, calling on Shin Bet chief David Zini to intervene in the search efforts. Heimenot's father, Tesfaye Kasao, sent a letter to Zini emphasizing that a child cannot simply vanish and demanding Shin Bet involvement by the 900th day of her disappearance. The protest included dozens of supporters chanting for justice and the girl's safe return.

Heimenot's mother, Benchi Kasao, spoke emotionally in Amharic, comparing their case to the swift Shin Bet response in locating 4-year-old Yuval Kogan, and questioned whether racial factors affected the urgency of Heimenot's case. She pleaded for Shin Bet's help, noting that despite promises from Prime Minister Netanyahu a year ago, the family has received no updates. The father expressed deep pain and frustration, highlighting the family's hope in Israel as a safe homeland and questioning if Heimenot's Ethiopian background influenced the lack of progress.

The family has met with key officials including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and President Isaac Herzog, but reports no concrete assistance beyond promises. The disappearance occurred in February 2024 from a Jewish Agency absorption center in Safed. Recently, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara authorized Shin Bet to assist police investigations, but the family criticizes police handling and lack of communication. Tesfaye implored Shin Bet to use its expertise to solve the case, stressing the emotional toll and the urgent need to bring Heimenot home.