Jerusalem Man Lures Child to Beg in Bnei Brak, Police Recover Boy

A 10-year-old boy, Yahli, was abducted from a park in Petah Tikva on the evening of August 30th while playing with friends. He was taken to Bnei Brak by a 20-year-old Jerusalem resident, who was later apprehended by police. Yahli's mother, Shiran Shabtai, recounted that the suspect, described by police as a member of a minority group, approached a group of children asking for money. When they had none, he asked to use a phone to check directions to Bnei Brak, making a call and then deleting it. While most children left, Yahli stayed to help the stranger, who then manipulated him by claiming he had been kicked out of his home and was penniless. The suspect convinced Yahli to accompany him to Bnei Brak to beg for money.

Around 8:30 PM, Yahli's parents realized he was not simply delayed and raised the alarm. Police initiated a search and located Yahli in Bnei Brak around 1:30 AM, with the 20-year-old suspect. The man was arrested on suspicion of child abduction. According to Yahli's mother, reviewing the phone records from the call and route search provided police with a crucial lead. Shabtai expressed her extreme distress during her son's disappearance and hopes the suspect will not be released, deeming him dangerous. Yahli and his mother are scheduled to give statements to the police on August 31st, and the suspect's detention has been extended for three days.