Family of Missing Israeli Women in Vienna Urges Continued Search Including Terrorism Scenarios

The family of Liel and Mally Yahalomi, an Israeli mother and daughter who disappeared in Vienna about a week ago, issued a statement on Friday demanding ongoing efforts to find them and to consider all possibilities, including hostile terrorist activity. The family emphasized the unusual nature of the disappearance and described Mally as a devoted mother and grandmother, and Liel as a bright and joyful young woman. They pleaded, "Please do not stop searching or sharing information. Help us bring Mally and Liel home."

Earlier reports from Austria indicated that Europol suspects the two women are no longer in Vienna. They were last seen leaving their rented apartment alone. Israeli and local police have focused part of the investigation on whether the women left the city via the train station where their phones last connected. Authorities are reviewing security footage from the station and surrounding areas to track their movements and determine if they boarded a train or bus. This process is slower in Austria than in Israel, potentially delaying results.

The apartment is about two kilometers from the train station, and since the women observe the Sabbath and left no belongings behind, investigators are examining if they traveled on foot. Nearby park searches have yielded no clues. Although Vienna police have ceased ground searches, the investigation continues. Local authorities do not currently suspect the women were victims of a crime or politically motivated violence.