'State of Emergency': No Leads in Search for Missing Women in Vienna, Family Asks for Help

The search for Melli Yahalomi (50) and her daughter Liel (23), missing since Friday in Vienna, continued all night with no leads. The two did not board their flight from Prague, and the family launched a crowdfunding campaign to help cover search costs. Melli's brother says the situation is not good, and an Israeli source reports involvement of various parties.

The search for Melli Yahalomi (50) and her daughter Liel (23), missing since last Friday in Vienna, continued through the night (between Tuesday and Wednesday), but so far there are no leads, and all avenues are still being checked. The two did not arrive for their flight from Prague, from which they were supposed to depart to Israel, and fears for their lives are growing. However, as of now, the Shin Bet and Mossad are not involved in the investigation. Melli and Liel began their trip on August 4 in Prague, and on August 7, Friday, sent their family a video from Vienna. The two used to travel together and always kept in touch with their family, so the current disappearance is uncharacteristic and causes great concern. Melli's brother, Moshe, said this morning: "The situation is obviously not very good. On Friday we last spoke with them, and they were fine. They said they were in an apartment in Vienna and everything was okay. They didn't share their further plans with us." The two also ordered a meal at the Chabad House in Vienna and did not come to pick it up. According to the brother, "Right now there is nothing new from the investigation. We are in contact with the consulate in Vienna and Prague and with the Modi'in district police, and they will update us if there is anything new." "The whole world is on its feet trying to locate them," said an Israeli source. "Various parties are involved. They can't find them anywhere. It smells bad, but we hope they will be found safe and sound." Despite this, so far the local media has barely addressed the issue, except for publishing the embassy's notice about the disappearance. At the family's request, the Magnus company joined the search efforts for the two. Meanwhile, Moshe said the family launched a crowdfunding campaign asking for donations to help with search costs, which he says are growing. "We are turning to you in a difficult family emergency," reads the crowdfunding page. "Melli and Liel are experienced travelers abroad, know how to manage, and usually update the family group or keep in touch with their mother and grandmother. The sudden and unusual disconnection worries us greatly." According to the family, "We need resources to expand and accelerate the search efforts in Vienna, including local professional assistance, travel, translation, logistics, and emergency expenses required for the search. Every hour counts."