Jerusalem Bank Assures Customers Amid Stock Drop Linked to Employee Disappearance

Following significant stock fluctuations, Bank of Jerusalem reassured its customers that there is no concern regarding any misappropriation of client funds. The bank sent an email on August 13, 2026, clarifying that after a thorough internal investigation, all customer funds remain safe, protected, and managed according to legal and regulatory standards. This statement came after the bank's shares plunged at the start of trading due to the disappearance of employees Mali and Liel Yahalomi in Vienna, with Mali being a longtime bank employee.

Throughout the day, the bank's stock partially recovered. Bank officials emphasized that all banking operations continue normally and that internal controls and oversight mechanisms are fully operational to safeguard customer assets. The CEO, Yair Kaplan, addressed staff, acknowledging the media coverage of Mali Yahalomi's disappearance and stressing that aside from her employment at the bank, no connection to the bank has been found. He also reminded employees of a gag order prohibiting the sharing of any information related to the case.

The investigation into the disappearance of Mali and her daughter Liel has been transferred to the national Lahav 433 unit. Israeli authorities have ruled out a nationalist motive for the case, while Austrian authorities continue their search and inquiry. A court has imposed a gag order on the investigation details, limiting public disclosure. The last confirmed sighting of the two was in Vienna on the preceding Friday, and their family has provided information to investigators, urging continued consideration of all possible motives until the women are found.