By 5 Towns Central Staff

VIENNA, AUSTRIA (August 12, 2026)

An urgent search is underway for Israeli mother Mali Yahalomi, 50, and her daughter Liel, 23, who have been reported missing in Vienna.

According to the family, the two traveled to Europe together, first visiting Prague before taking a pre-booked train to Vienna, where they checked into an apartment-style hotel.

Family members remained in regular contact with Mali and Liel throughout the trip. They received photos on Wednesday and exchanged messages as late as Friday, with no indication that anything was wrong.

Contact was subsequently lost. By Sunday evening, after messages were no longer being delivered and repeated attempts to reach the two went unanswered, the family contacted the Israeli Foreign Ministry’s emergency center and opened an official missing-person case.

The family initially had difficulty obtaining information from the hotel, but since Monday, the Israeli consul has been working directly with hotel management and Vienna’s Chabad community to assist with the search and keep relatives updated.

At this time, officials have not reported a confirmed lead regarding the women’s whereabouts. Israeli officials, local authorities and members of the Jewish community are involved in efforts to locate them.

The family is continuing to hold out hope that Mali and Liel will be found safe.

An Israeli official described the search as a massive international effort, saying: “The whole world is on its feet trying to find them.”

The family is asking the public to share the information. Any detail, photograph or piece of information that could help determine where Mali and Liel were last seen may be important.

Please share widely and daven for the safety and wellbeing of Mali and Liel.

Besuros Tovos!