"Toronto police confirmed on Thursday, May 28, that 14-year-old Esther, a Jewish girl who vanished nearly two weeks earlier, was found safe in a residence in Rexdale, with an adult male present. The case, marked by a $25,000 community-funded reward and allegations of antisemitic vandalism, saw an unprecedented public and police collaboration. ‘The manner in which this community came together was nothing short of remarkable,’ said Toronto Police Supt. Don Belanger, as the investigation shifts to determining if criminality was involved."
Discovery and Initial Details
Toronto Police Supt. Don Belanger confirmed that Esther was located around 1 p.m. on May 28 at a residence in Rexdale, northwest Toronto, where she was found with an adult male. "We found her at a house with some guy in Rexdale," a police source told the Toronto Sun, though Belanger declined to specify the home’s exact location or the man’s identity. The girl, last seen on May 15 near Bathurst Street and Hotspur Road, was taken to a hospital for medical evaluation. "She appears in good physical condition," Belanger stated, though "medical professionals will confirm that."
The discovery followed a "painstaking" investigation involving video reviews, ground searches, and community tips, with Belanger emphasizing the "combined police and community effort." The CP24 report noted that a rare Level One search, including mounted and marine units, was deployed, alongside drones scanning Earl Bales Park.
Community Response and Antisemitic Concerns
The search for Esther galvanized Toronto’s Jewish community and beyond, with volunteers distributing flyers and organizing a $25,000 reward. However, the effort was marred by controversy: some missing persons posters were torn down, prompting accusations of antisemitism. "The manner in which this community came together… was nothing short of remarkable," Belanger said, though the JPost reported that Esther’s family expressed concern over the vandalism, which they attributed to "antisemitism."
Volunteers from across the city, including Hamilton, joined the search, with Esther’s family spokesperson, Maureen Leshem, praising the "thousands of people who carried our family through this nightmare." The Toronto Sun highlighted that the community’s mobilization extended beyond Jewish circles, with "old people, young people, children" participating.
Family Statements and Emotional Reactions
Esther’s parents released a statement expressing relief, saying, "For the first time in days, we can hug our daughter and breathe again." They thanked the police and community, urging the public to avoid speculation. "To the thousands of people who searched, shared her photo, hung flyers… you gave us strength," the statement read.
Esther’s mother had earlier pleaded with her daughter to return, saying, "Esti, my love, if you are watching this, please come home. We love you so very much. We miss you terribly." The JPost reported that the family had initially feared she might be involved in "sex trafficking," though police later ruled out that possibility.
Police Investigation and Next Steps
While the search concluded successfully, Belanger stressed that the investigation is "not over." Detectives are examining the Rexdale home’s occupants and "what they are all about," with a focus on "evidence of criminality" tied to Esther’s disappearance. "This is really the earliest stage… the next phase is just starting," he said.
The CP24 report noted that police would "actively" investigate the home’s residents, though no arrests or charges have been announced. Belanger declined to disclose what led officers to the location, stating only that "certainly contributed to us getting to where we are today."
