Full Breakdown
Disappearance of Haymanut Kasau: A Call for Action and Awareness
1/12/2026, 8:37:39 AM
Background on Haymanut Kasau's Case
Haymanut Kasau, a nine-year-old girl, has been missing since February 2024, last seen near an absorption center in Safed, Israel. Her family immigrated from Ethiopia in 2021, and her disappearance has raised significant concerns about the visibility and urgency of missing persons cases involving immigrant families. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently committed to personally engaging in the case during a meeting with Kasau's family, following nearly two years of limited progress.
Prime Minister's Involvement
During a meeting with Kasau's family, Netanyahu expressed his commitment to exploring all avenues to locate her, including the potential involvement of the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency). MK Tsega Melaku, who has been advocating for Kasau's case, emphasized the need for more action and attention, stating that the family feels neglected by both the media and authorities. Melaku noted that Netanyahu had been aware of the case but had faced scheduling conflicts due to the ongoing war and his court hearings.
Family's Perspective and Advocacy
Kasau's family has been vocal about their belief that her case should be classified as a kidnapping rather than a missing-person case, a distinction they argue would significantly impact the investigation. Melaku highlighted the lack of media coverage surrounding Kasau's disappearance, attributing it partly to the timing during a period of war and the family's status as new immigrants. She stated, “If she were a native-born Israeli from central Israel, the news would open with her picture every night.”
The family has also called for awareness campaigns similar to those for hostages taken during the October 7 attacks, but Melaku reported that no significant efforts have been made by the Aliyah and Integration Ministry or the Jewish Agency to promote Kasau's case.
Criticism of Public Response
Melaku criticized the public's lack of awareness regarding Kasau's situation, recalling a protest where many passersby were unaware of her disappearance. She expressed concern that the case has not received the necessary attention, stating, “It’s unbearable.” The family continues to live in the absorption center in Safed, where they remain isolated as other families have moved on to permanent housing.
Safety Concerns and Community Impact
Melaku raised alarms about the safety of children in Safed, citing previous disappearances and inadequate security measures in the area. She noted that the municipality is only now beginning to address these issues by installing more streetlights and security cameras. “Anyone with children should be afraid,” she warned, emphasizing that the potential for similar incidents remains high, particularly for vulnerable immigrant families.
Verbatim Quotes
- “No one is paying attention to her, not the media, not others,” — MK Tsega Melaku
- “I always say, she didn’t run away, she was kidnapped.” — Tsega Melaku
- “Because yes, there was a war. Afterwards, the entire focus was on bringing hostages home, and thank God, hostages returned, but this girl also needs to be brought home.” — Tsega Melaku
- “People need to understand, this could happen to any family,” — Tsega Melaku
The ongoing efforts to locate Haymanut Kasau highlight the intersection of immigration, media visibility, and community safety, raising critical questions about how missing persons cases are prioritized in Israel.
