After nearly two weeks of desperate searching, 14-year-old Esther, whose disappearance gripped the Toronto Jewish community and drew international attention, has been found safe.
Police announced that Esther was located at approximately 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at a residence in Etobicoke.
Sources tell YWN that Esther made a phone call from a train station earlier in the day. The call was reportedly tracked, triggering an intense manhunt that ultimately led authorities to her location.
Esther had been missing since shortly after midnight on May 16, when she was last seen in North York near Bathurst Street and Hotspur Road.
The case prompted a rare Level One police search, with Toronto Police deploying extensive resources and establishing a command post at Earl Bales Park. Authorities had repeatedly expressed grave concerns for Esther’s welfare, noting that she is on the autism spectrum.
The search effort united hundreds of people across multiple countries. Rockland Chaveirim worked around the clock – even spending Shavuos in Toronto – alongside Toronto Shomrim and local law enforcement agencies. More than a dozen Chaveirim volunteers traveled from New York to assist in the search.
Listen to the audio message below from the father of Esti, as he provides a short update and thanks all those who were instrumental in helping locate her.
Community members blanketed neighborhoods with posters, conducted searches day and night, and established an additional command center on Wilson Avenue near Bathurst Street. A $25,000 reward was also offered for information leading to Esther’s safe return.
(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
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11 Responses
It was obvious from the beginning that she ran away.
I am so happy she was found safe and sound. I am so proud of Klal Yisroel’s volunteers for dedicating themself to help out. As I look at the pictures of our heros, my heart fills with pride. One small question: Why are all the pictures showing only chassidishe guys with beards and long peyos – where are the pics of the Litvish/yeshivish guys? Everyone deserves a huge thanks.
Chasdei Hashem! Thank you to all that helped the family.
Anyone getting the reward?
@bestcpa
lol getting straight to what’s really important here
Chasdei Hashem
Baruch Hashem!
@Uncle Ben:
1. Says who?
2. What difference would that make in regards to the search? Do you think the Rabbanim would have instructed not to continue the search on Shabbos because UNCLE BEN “knows” that she ran away?
3. Is it possible that there might be a family involved here that would be hurt by your comment?
4. Do you have SUCH a low self esteem that you can’t hold back sharing your brilliance even though you’re anonymous?
You’re a Rosha.
@ Rebitzen: ahem.
Kinsler calm down. I am of the same opinion. Something could have been going on why she left.
You really have no grasp of reality or have ever been in any kind of ambiguous situation.
Good for you. Your so….nieve…that’s a blessing and a curse I guess
It could have been her therapists that convinced her or something actually going on. Dude. Like why would you call someone a rasha for having a brain. Your so delusional it’s sick
The main thing is that Esther has been found. Let us not fight about it. H”M has allowed this that is all that has mattered. And, she is safe and sound as far as we know. Thank you H”M for your kindness in allowing this teenager to be found safely. B”H”M. Omein. Selah.