Israeli Mother and Daughter Found in South America After Global Search

Mali and Liel Yehalomi, a mother and daughter from Modiin, Israel, who disappeared in Vienna a week ago, have been located in South America following an extensive international intelligence operation. The dramatic reunion occurred on a bus when an Israeli police representative approached them and expressed concern, initiating a calm conversation. This marked the end of a mysterious disappearance that spanned multiple countries and continents, engaging security agencies both in Israel and abroad.

The search was led directly by Israel Police Commissioner Major General Dany Levi and conducted by investigators from the Lahav 433 Economic Crime Unit in cooperation with the Israel Police Intelligence Division. Dedicated command centers operated around the clock in Israel and overseas, utilizing all available technological resources. The operation involved close collaboration with Europol, foreign law enforcement, and international aviation and border authorities. Hundreds of targeted investigations, technological tracking, and complex data cross-checks were performed, ultimately pinpointing the mother and daughter's location.

The case began as a 50th birthday trip planned by Liel as a surprise for her mother Mali. They traveled from Israel to Prague, then by train to Vienna, where they stayed in a rented apartment. Contact was lost after they were seen leaving the apartment, and they missed their return flight to Israel. Investigations revealed their last cellular signal was at a Vienna train station, with indications they traveled through Germany and appeared on a Lufthansa flight manifest to Argentina.

The disappearance caused significant concern for their family and sparked a financial controversy involving Mali's employer, Bank of Jerusalem, which issued a statement denying any misconduct. With the official police announcement, the operational search phase has concluded, resolving a case that mobilized intelligence and security agencies worldwide.