Israeli Mother and Daughter Disappear En Route From Europe to South America, Police Investigate
The mysterious disappearance of Israeli mother Mally Yahelomi and her daughter Liel has sparked an international investigation spanning Europe and South America. The pair embarked on a birthday trip from Israel to Prague on August 4, 2026, planned by Liel as a surprise for her mother's 50th birthday. After arriving in Prague, they traveled by train to Vienna, Austria, where they stayed in an Airbnb. Security footage shows them leaving the apartment alone, carrying their belongings, with no signs of coercion, leading Austrian police to state they left voluntarily and no criminal suspicion currently exists.
The last known cellular signal from their phones was recorded on Saturday morning near Vienna's train station, suggesting they boarded a train to Germany. Austrian media reported they crossed into Germany by train and subsequently left Europe. German aviation records later confirmed their names on a Lufthansa flight to Argentina, indicating their possible destination.
The investigation is coordinated by Vienna police, Israel's Lahav 433 unit, and Interpol, operating under a gag order. A senior police official told Channel 12 News that the primary assumption is that Mally and Liel are alive, with motives related to nationalism or health issues becoming less likely. Authorities continue to explore all possibilities, including foul play, but have not ruled out any scenario.
Israeli intelligence officials reportedly arrived in Vienna to assist, though Israeli authorities have not confirmed this. Meanwhile, the family is funding private search efforts and urges authorities to keep investigating all leads. The case has also caused financial turbulence for Bank of Jerusalem, where Mally worked, with the bank's shares dropping over 12% before stabilizing. The bank issued a statement denying any financial misconduct and assuring clients their funds are secure.
The investigation remains active as authorities piece together the complex travel route and circumstances surrounding the disappearance.
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