The Disappearance of Haymanut Kasau
On February 25, 2024, a 9-year-old Ethiopian-Israeli girl named Haymanut Kasau disappeared from an absorption center in Safed, Israel, leaving her family and community in anguish.
Now, one year later, on February 25, 2025, the mystery surrounding her vanishing persists, with no solid leads despite extensive searches and public outcry.
This article dives into the details of the Haymanut Kasau missing person case, the latest updates, and the ongoing efforts to bring her home.
Who Is Haymanut Kasau?
Haymanut Kasau immigrated to Israel from Ethiopia with her family three years prior to her disappearance. Living at the Jewish Agency absorption center in Safed, she was last seen on security footage at 7:45 p.m. on February 25, 2024, distributing municipal election leaflets.
Described as 1.20 meters (3’11”) tall, slim, with dark hair and eyes, she wore pink pants, a black skirt, and a white shirt that evening. Haymanut turned 10 in April 2024, a bittersweet milestone marked without her presence.
The Day She Vanished: What Happened on February 25, 2024?
Haymanut’s disappearance unfolded on an ordinary Sunday evening. After returning from a school trip around 4:00 p.m., she spent time with friends at the absorption center.
Security footage captured her at the entrance at 7:45 p.m., but after that, she vanished without a trace. Her family reported her missing when she failed to return home, sparking an immediate response from the Israel Police and volunteers.
Initial searches focused on the absorption center and surrounding areas, with over 1,200 volunteers joining efforts in the days that followed.
Despite the use of canine units, drones, and advanced technology, no evidence of her whereabouts surfaced—a fact that has baffled investigators and deepened the mystery.
Key Developments in the Haymanut Kasau Case
Over the past year, several notable developments have kept the case in the spotlight.
Witness Testimony: In August 2024, Haymanut’s father, Tesfaye Kasau, told the Knesset Committee for Immigration, Absorption, and Diaspora Affairs that a friend of his daughter witnessed a man with sidelocks grab Haymanut and flee.
The same man reportedly attempted to abduct the friend, who escaped. However, police dismissed this account, stating it was investigated and ruled out.
Suspect Vehicle: In September 2024, a court allowed police to seize a vehicle linked to a suspect. The car had been repainted, with modified wheels, headlights, and a bolted rear door—raising suspicions. Yet, no definitive connection to Haymanut has been confirmed.
Reward Offers: The Jewish Agency offered a 100,000-shekel ($27,500) reward for information leading to her location, supplemented by a 10,000-shekel ($2,750) reward from the Committee for Ethiopian Jews. Despite these incentives, no breakthroughs have emerged.
Ethiopia Investigation: In February 2025, reports surfaced that police were considering sending a team to Ethiopia to explore possible leads, though specifics remain unclear.
Public Advocacy: On the one-year anniversary, a protest rally outside the Knesset demanded the case be reclassified as a kidnapping to unlock more resources. Haymanut’s father has repeatedly urged authorities to escalate their efforts.
Why Hasn’t Haymanut Kasau Been Found?
The lack of progress in the Haymanut Kasau missing person case has frustrated her family and the public. Several factors may explain the ongoing mystery:
Limited Evidence: Despite extensive searches, no physical clues—like clothing or personal items—have been found, an anomaly in such a heavily trafficked urban area.
Disputed Witness Accounts: The police’s rejection of the kidnapping testimony has sparked debate about whether all leads were adequately pursued.
Resource Constraints: Critics argue that the case, while a priority, hasn’t received the full investigative weight it deserves, especially compared to high-profile abductions.
Police maintain they’ve exhausted all technological and investigative avenues, with Chief Superintendent Tomer Pinchi stating in February 2025 that “no further action could have been taken” even if classified as a kidnapping.
Yet, the absence of answers continues to fuel speculation and concern.
The Family’s Plea and Community Response
Haymanut’s disappearance has taken a profound toll on her family. Her father, Tesfaye, has publicly shared their despair: “It has disrupted our entire lives, and we can’t go on without her.” Younger siblings now fear leaving the house, a stark reminder of the emotional ripple effect.
The Ethiopian-Israeli community and volunteers nationwide have rallied around the Kasaus. Mass searches, like the one organized by the family in April 2024, reflect a collective refusal to let Haymanut’s case fade into obscurity.
Social media campaigns with hashtags like #FindHaymanut keep her story alive, urging anyone with information to come forward.
How You Can Help Find Haymanut Kasau
The public’s role remains critical. If you have any information about Haymanut’s whereabouts, contact the Israel Police hotline at 100 or the Safed Police Department at 04-6978444. Even the smallest tip could crack this case wide open.
A Case That Can’t Be Forgotten
One year after Haymanut Kasau vanished, her absence looms large over Safed and beyond. The unresolved nature of her disappearance underscores the need for continued vigilance and resources.
As her father insists, “She is alive as long as no one says otherwise.” Let’s keep the pressure on—because Haymanut deserves to be found.
For the latest updates on the Haymanut Kasau missing person case, bookmark this page or explore our related articles on missing persons. Together, we can help bring her home.
