Bank of Jerusalem Assures Customers Funds Are Safe Amid Employee Disappearance Scare

The Bank of Jerusalem issued a rare and firm statement on Thursday to reassure customers and investors following the mysterious disappearance of employee Meli Yahalomi and her daughter Liel in Vienna. The bank emphasized there is no risk of embezzlement, confirming that customer funds remain secure and protected under strict oversight and regular controls. The bank clarified that all account activities continue normally and are managed according to legal and internal procedures.

CEO Yair Kaplan sent an urgent letter to bank staff and investors, stating that aside from Yahalomi being an employee, there is no connection between the disappearance and the bank's operations. Sources revealed Yahalomi worked in the retail department at the bank's headquarters without access to customer accounts, suggesting any money movement involved only her and her daughter's personal accounts.

Despite these reassurances, the Bank of Jerusalem's stock experienced significant volatility on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, plunging about 12% at its lowest point before partially recovering to a 4% decline. This sharp market reaction reflected investor anxiety amid the uncertainty surrounding the case.

The investigation has been transferred to the National Economic Crime Unit (YALAK) at Lahav 433, led by Police Commissioner Danny Levi, due to its expertise in tracking virtual and financial trails. Yahalomi's family, who have cooperated with investigators, reported no unusual activity in the bank accounts, with the last transaction dated August 3, and have not ruled out a nationalist motive. Meanwhile, Austrian authorities maintain there is no evidence of criminal activity and are treating the case as a standard missing persons investigation in coordination with the Israeli embassy.

Israel's police have imposed a gag order on all investigation details. The financial sector and banking system remain alert to further developments in this unfolding case.