Israeli Mother and Daughter Found Safe in Buenos Aires After Disappearance in Europe

Mali Yehalomi, 50, and her daughter Liel, 23, residents of Modiin, Israel, were located safe and sound on a bus in Buenos Aires, Argentina, about a week after losing contact during their stay in Europe. The disappearance triggered an extensive search involving Israeli police units, including Lahav 433 and the intelligence division, as well as international law enforcement agencies. The two were last seen in Vienna near the Naschmarkt area and failed to board a scheduled flight from Prague back to Israel.

Investigations revealed that the pair left Austria voluntarily, traveling by train to Germany and then flying to Argentina. Security footage showed them leaving their accommodation alone with their belongings, and Austrian police found no evidence of criminal or terrorist activity. Reports indicate that Mali and Liel planned their departure for about a month, even using artificial intelligence tools to identify countries without extradition agreements with Israel.

After being found, an Israeli police representative questioned them in Buenos Aires. With no criminal suspicions arising, they were released to continue their journey. Financial aspects are also under review, as the women reportedly had a bank debt, though not substantial, and Mali is employed at Bank Jerusalem, which denied any embezzlement suspicions. The exact reasons behind their disappearance and severing contact with family remain unclear.

Following their discovery, organizers of a crowdfunding campaign that raised approximately 260,000 shekels for the search announced they would refund the donations. The case had drawn significant attention in Israel due to the mysterious circumstances of their disappearance and the international scope of the search.