TORONTO (VINnews) — Toronto Police have elevated the search for a missing 14-year-old girl known as Esther or Esti to Priority 1 status, dedicating all available resources as community volunteers join the effort to bring her home safely.

Esther was last seen late Friday evening, May 15, 2026, near Earl Bales Park in the Bathurst Street and Sheppard Avenue West area of North York. She is described as 5-foot-2 with a medium build and brown hair. She was last seen wearing a green long-sleeve shirt, gray sweatpants and no shoes.

The search has intensified with hundreds of volunteers from Toronto’s Jewish community, including Shomrim Safety Patrol, assisting police with door-to-door canvassing, flyer distribution and searches in the wooded park and surrounding areas. A command center has operated from the Petah Tikvah Synagogue parking lot at 20 Danby Rd.

In a statement Tuesday, officials noted the escalation: “The search for missing youth Esti has now been escalated to Priority 1. Bringing her home safely remains our top priority. We joined Esti’s family today as the search continues, and we are grateful to the Toronto Police and Inspector Peter Wallace for dedicating every available resource to this effort.”

Police and volunteers urge anyone with information to call 911 immediately or contact Shomrim Toronto at (647) 557-6735. Toronto Police can also be reached at 416-808-3200 .

The community has been asked to check security cameras, backyards and sheds in the area and to continue sharing Esther’s photo widely. Her family has made emotional appeals for her safe return.

VINnews will provide updates as more information becomes available.