Toronto police have announced that Esther, a 14-year-old Jewish girl who had been missing since May 15, has been located and is safe. In a social media post, authorities stated: 'Esther, 14, was located by police and is safe. More information will be provided at the Command Post in Earl Bales Park at 3 p.m.'
Background of the Case
Esther, affectionately known as Esti, was reported missing on Friday, May 15, in the area of Earl Bales Park, a large green space located at Bathurst Street and Sheppard Avenue West in the northern part of Toronto. The disappearance prompted a widespread search effort, with posters being distributed across the city to aid in locating the teenager.
Controversy Over Torn Posters
The search efforts were marred by reports that posters of Esther were being torn down across Toronto. This act drew widespread condemnation, including from Canadian Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who said: 'Tearing down the notice of a missing 14 year old autistic girl, simply because she is Jewish, is evil on so many levels that I don't even know where to start. Vile hatred against Jews is moving from an ugly sentiment to dangerous actions. We must end this now. And make Canada a...'
The incident also garnered international attention. The New York Post ran a headline reading: 'Cruel vandals rip down posters for missing Jewish teen girl who vanished in Toronto,' adding that 'the bungling yobs even left behind evidence by not even fully removing the posters.'
Jeff Feldman, a debt advisory consultant based in New York, wrote on X: 'This is one of the sickest things I've ever seen in my life. Pure evil. Humanity is in a sad place.' Texas politician Cameron Carlisle added: 'The Jewish people are literally under attack around the world. It's time to start speaking up & taking action against this vile & antisemitic behavior!'
The Montreal/New York-based X account LGBT for Israel posted: 'Hey, Canada. What's wrong with you? Has this level of hate always been here, just dormant? Did we simply miss it all these years? Or is this what humans so often do when given a cheap, socially approved scapegoat … one that's easy and safe to attack?'
Police Update and Community Response
Toronto police have not yet released further details about the circumstances of Esther's disappearance or how she was found. Additional information is expected during the 3 p.m. briefing at the Command Post in Earl Bales Park. The community has expressed relief at the news, with many hoping that the focus now shifts to ensuring Esther's well-being and addressing the underlying issues highlighted by the poster vandalism.
