President Isaac Herzog met today (Tuesday) at the President’s Residence with the family of Hymanut Kassaou, who has been missing for about two and a half years.
During the meeting, Herzog told the family that the Shin Bet recently joined the investigation and efforts to locate her.
Herzog said he had discussed the matter with Shin Bet chief David Zini, who told him that the agency is now involved in the investigation following a request from the Israel Police and is working in cooperation with it.
“Hymanot is our child and everyone cares deeply about her. The State of Israel is making tremendous efforts to locate Hymanut using every tool at its disposal," the president said.
He added, “This is at the top of the law enforcement authorities’ priorities. I spoke with Shin Bet chief David Zini, and he confirmed that the Shin Bet recently became involved following a request from the Israel Police." Herzog continued, “The Shin Bet is involved in the case and has entered with full force to contribute in every possible way to locating Hymanut."
The president thanked the police and Shin Bet for their efforts, saying, “I thank the Israel Police, which is making a tremendous effort together with the Shin Bet, and I hope we will receive good news."
Hymanut’s father, Tespai Kassaou, spoke at the meeting about the family’s struggle since his daughter’s disappearance.
“We have made every effort and met with the relevant authorities. We demand that the Shin Bet intervene as soon as possible," he said. He added that the family fears there have been difficulties in the investigation, saying, “We are concerned that there are difficulties and discrimination because of language barriers or skin color."
Yerus Kassaou, Hymanut’s sister, described the toll her disappearance has taken on the family. “We don’t deserve to go through what we are going through. Hymanut disappeared during wartime, and we know that if the Shin Bet gets involved, it will bring an end to our suffering."
“My family deserves to be happy and hug her again," Yerus added. “I’m a 20-year-old young woman and I want to start living my life. Since 11th grade, instead of living like girls my age, I have been focused solely on searching for and fighting for my sister. Hymanut is a little girl, and we don’t know what she is going through."
Tespai Bishau, who has been supporting the family, thanked the president and the public for standing by them throughout the ordeal. “Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you to the people of Israel who have stood with us in this two-and-a-half-year struggle. It’s not over yet. We need you in this fight," he said.
Bishau expressed hope that Hymanot will return to her family. “I hope we will celebrate Hymanut’s bat mitzvah at home, together with the family here in Jerusalem. The news the president gave us today is very important to us. We believe and remain optimistic that Hymanut is alive and that she needs to return home."