Knesset Committee Marks Two Years Since Haymanut Kasau's Disappearance

The Knesset Immigration, Absorption and Diaspora Affairs Committee held a special session to mark two years since the disappearance of 9-year-old Haymanut Kasau, in what appeared to be the only official recognition of the anniversary by members of the Knesset or government. Committee chair Gilad Kariv said the discussion was the 15th held on the case, expressing sorrow over the lack of progress.

Haymanut was last seen on February 25, 2024, in Safed, captured on security footage handing out municipal election leaflets outside the Jewish Agency absorption center where she lived with her family after immigrating from Ethiopia. The investigation was transferred in December to the Lahav 433 Major Crimes Unit, but officials said the team is still in the early stages of reviewing materials gathered over the past two years.

Addressing the committee through a translator, Haymanut's parents tearfully called for the case to be transferred to the Shin Bet, saying their daughter had been kidnapped and that no new information had emerged. Lawmaker Tzega Melaku also expressed regret that the government had not launched a broader awareness campaign. A protest is scheduled outside the Aliyah and Integration Ministry in Jerusalem to mark the anniversary and demand further action.