Ethiopian Community Marks Sigd as Family of Missing Haimnot Kasau Demands Action

The Ethiopian-Jewish community in Israel is marking the Sigd holiday today, Monday, with traditional prayers and gatherings in Jerusalem. For the parents of missing child Haimnot Kasau, the holiday carries profound and painful resonance as the search for their daughter continues.

In less than two weeks, the disappearance of Haimnot will reach the grim milestone of one thousand days. She was last seen on February 25, 2024, at an absorption center in Safed at the age of nine. Against the backdrop of the unsolved case, the Kasau family chose to observe the holiday in Jerusalem, appealing for mutual responsibility and community solidarity.

The family has established a protest tent at Shimon Agranat Square in Jerusalem as the focal point of their campaign. Throughout the holiday events, family members are participating in major gatherings across the capital, including ceremonies at the Armon Hanatziv Promenade and the Western Wall.

The events feature information booths and discussion circles aimed at keeping Haimnot's story in the public eye, updating the public on the investigation, and renewing demands to transfer the case files to the Shin Bet.

Following the main ceremonies in Armon Hanatziv, the public is invited to visit the protest tent this afternoon to participate in discussions on belonging, covenant renewal, and how the values of Sigd reflect their ongoing struggle to bring Haimnot home.