Chabad Emissary in Vienna Says Search Continues for Missing Israeli Sisters

The disappearance of Mally and Liel Yehalomi has caused significant concern in Vienna's Jewish community. Rabbi Reuven Tamsit, Chabad emissary in Vienna, described the situation as highly unusual and serious. He explained that initial news of the sisters' disappearance spread rapidly through local WhatsApp groups last Sunday and soon became official reports from Austrian authorities and the Israeli Foreign Ministry.

The search operation is being coordinated by the Israeli consulate and embassy in Austria, while the local Jewish community focuses on raising awareness and sharing information. Rabbi Tamsit emphasized that it is still unclear whether the case involves an abduction or another scenario, stating, "Until there is an official update, the search continues and everything remains open."

Austrian law enforcement is treating the case with utmost seriousness, having escalated the investigation to higher levels and involving senior officials. Rabbi Tamsit noted Austria's zero tolerance for antisemitism and highlighted that Vienna is generally considered very safe for Jews, with increased police presence and little history of violent antisemitism. This makes the disappearance even more alarming to residents.

The rabbi praised the local community's heartfelt mobilization, noting that longtime Jewish residents have been deeply involved in the search efforts and information sharing. He described the unity as moving, saying, "The people of Israel truly act as one body."

Rabbi Tamsit concluded by urging the public to rely only on verified information from official sources and to remain hopeful for the safe return of the two missing sisters.