Searching for 14-year-old Esti Absent From Her Toronto Home

"It was Friday night. It was cold outside and she left, and it was dark and she didn't have her shoes. Both of her pairs of shoes are by the door. And she doesn't have her phone. Her phone is in the house."

"I don't know who else she might have contact with. I really hope that she's OK and maybe she's just scared to come home and she has friends or someone helping her."

Shira, mother of missing 14-year-old Esther, Toronto 

Toronto Police Duty Inspector Peter Wallace, with Shira and Joseph, the parents of Esther, who is missing, speak to the media outside the Earl Bales Community Centre, May 19, 2026. (Facebook)

 

"We are currently appealing to the public to please check your backyard if you reside in this area, your sheds and also your surveillance camera."

"We are concerned for her safety."

Toronto Police Duty Inspector Peter Wallace 

The Toronto Police Service announced that the search for a missing 14-year-old Jewish girl has been elevated to Priority 1 status and a dedicated phone line has been set up for tips from the public (647-355-4148). The girl has been identified by her parents (whose family name has been withheld for privacy and security reasons) as having been diagnosed on the autism spectrum. Explaining further that the "only reason we're OK saying it now is because she's still missing". Missing, in fact, for over a week. 

 

Police have assured her frantic family that their daughter's disappearance has seen them committing all available resources to finding her. Community volunteers have enlisted themselves in a joint effort to find the girl. Launching a Priority or Level 1 search represents the highest level of police response in cases of missing children. Last seen on May 15 in North York in the area of Earl Bales Park at Bathurst Street and Sheppard Avenue West, the entire community awaits news of her safe recovery and return home.

 

As well as the concerned local Jewish community volunteering in the search, the Shomrim Safety Patrol, a group committed to ensuring the safety and security of Jewish communities across the Greater Toronto area founded in 2021, has also been involved in the search. At nearby Petah Tikvah Synagogue a command centre has been set up in the parking lot. 

 

Police have deployed a drone along with marine, canine and mounted units in their extensive search for the girl. They have, as well, created a QR code for people to scan and upload any video they may have, that might be of assistance in the investigation. There is, needless to say, an added element of fear when a young Jewish girl is alone and unprotected during this period of  high tension where Jews have become targets of heightened antisemitism and stated threats. 

 

 

"Esti, my love, if you are watching this, please come home. We love you so very much. We miss you terribly. Your family, here, across the country, and around the world, are searching and praying for you every minute. Your friends, classmates, neighbours, and community are all worried about you and hoping to see you safe."

"Please know this dearly: You’re not in trouble. Nobody is angry with you, no matter what has happened. All we care about is knowing that you are okay. If you can contact anyone, family, a friend, police, anyone, please do. We just want to know that you are safe."

Shira, mother of missing 14-year-old Esther