Posters seeking help to find a missing 14-year-old Jewish girl in Toronto have been repeatedly torn down, according to a family spokesperson, hampering community efforts to locate her. The teenager, Esther, who may also go by Esti or Sylvia, has been missing for 11 days after last being seen near Bathurst Street and Hotspur Road wearing a turquoise sweater and grey sweatpants without shoes. She is on the autistic spectrum, and police say they are extremely concerned for her safety.

Thousands of volunteers have distributed flyers across the city, but many have been disturbed to find them removed shortly after being posted. The family believes the vandalism may be motivated by antisemitism, though they stress that the focus should remain on finding the missing girl. A spokesperson described the removal of posters as cruel and said it undermines efforts to bring a child home safely.

A group of multi-faith residents has offered a 25,000 dollar reward for information leading to Esther’s return. Her parents have publicly pleaded for her to come home, assuring her that she is not in trouble and is deeply loved. Community members continue to search and raise awareness as the investigation continues.