On a poignant birthday she should be celebrating, Haymanot Kasau remains absent, her 10th birthday overshadowed by despair and uncertainty. A year has passed since she vanished without a trace from the streets of Safed, near an immigration absorption center, leaving an indelible mark of sorrow on her family and community. Her disappearance is a chilling reminder of the fragility of security for those in new lands.
Troubling Concerns: Declaring Abduction
Her father, Tesfaye Kasau, pleading with the National Security Committee, urged the classification of his daughter’s case from missing to abducted. Tesfaye’s call wasn’t in vain, as a criminologist, Dr. Meir Carmon joined his plea, advocating for this grim reclassification. Their shared belief, born from a year of lingering hope and chilling discoveries, speaks volumes about the unsettling nature of Haymanot’s fate. According to The Jerusalem Post, their cries echo through the halls of justice, calling for an intensified response to this haunting disappearance.
Powerful Protests: Rally at the Knesset
In a show of solidarity, advocates rallied outside the Knesset, waving placards that beseeched for a revision of Haymanot’s status. Protestors called upon the police and intelligence agencies like the Shin Bet to employ every available resource in the ongoing search. The heartfelt rally illuminated growing frustrations with the current investigation status, and the public’s unyielding support for Haymanot’s family.
Witness Accounts: A Glimpse of Hope
Last August, testimony emerged from a young friend of Haymanot, describing a harrowing encounter where a man attempted to abduct her alongside Haymanot. This witness bravely shared her story with both police and educators, yet, conflicting reports have muddied these waters. The details of this encounter bring both an eerie reality to the case and a hint of hope and direction for investigators.
The Quest for Justice: Falling Short and New Appeals
Despite ongoing police efforts, Tesfaye Kasau remains critical of how insufficient measures have still led to unanswered pleas and unresolved questions. He highlights missed duties by organizations meant to protect, urging for proactive steps that could herald a breakthrough. The Jewish Agency for Israel and the Aliyah and Integration Ministry are called to action by a father’s desperate wish: let no picture go unseen and no hotline ring unheard.
As Haymanot’s disappearance marks another year, the call for answers intensifies. Each passing day adds to the weight of uncertainty but also to the hope that more will soon be done in the quest to bring Haymanot home.
