After nearly two weeks of intensive searching, 14-year-old Esther, whose disappearance mobilized thousands across the Jewish world, has been located safe and reportedly in good condition.
Toronto Police announced Thursday afternoon that Esther was found at a residence in Etobicoke. Sources tell Monsey Scoop that a phone call made on Wednesday from a train station helped authorities narrow down her location, leading to a coordinated search effort that ultimately resulted in her safe recovery.
As Monsey Scoop previously reported, members of Chaverim of Rockland traveled to Toronto to assist in the search effort, working alongside Toronto Shomrim, Hatzolah and local law enforcement agencies, and hundreds of volunteers. More than a dozen Chaverim members made the trip from New York, with some remaining in Toronto throughout Shavuos as the search continued around the clock.
SEARCH IN TORONTO CONTINUES: Chaverim of Rockland Search & Rescue teams have been on the ground in Toronto since Tuesday morning assisting in the search for 14-year-old Esti, who has been missing since Friday night after last being seen near Earl Bales Park at approximately 11:30… pic.twitter.com/6XUJDMomim
— The Monsey Scoop (@TheMonseyScoop) May 21, 2026
Esther had been missing since shortly after midnight on May 16, when she was last seen in North York near Bathurst Street and Hotspur Road. The case prompted a major police search operation, with authorities expressing serious concern for her welfare and deploying significant resources in an effort to locate her safely.
The search effort united hundreds of volunteers across multiple countries. Community members distributed flyers, conducted searches day and night, and helped establish command centers as the effort expanded. A reward was also offered for information leading to Esther’s safe return.
The successful outcome has brought relief to Esther’s family, volunteers, and the countless individuals who joined in tefillos and search efforts over the past two weeks.
MI KEMACHA YISROEL: Volunteers from Chaverim of Rockland were seen reciting Tehillim at the Ribnitzer Rebbe’s kever for the safe return of Esther Hodaya Bas Shira Miriam, a 14-year-old girl missing from Toronto for over a week. Chaverim volunteers have spent the past week… pic.twitter.com/1hrLFJAtsf
— The Monsey Scoop (@TheMonseyScoop) May 25, 2026
Baruch Hashem, such a huge relief to hear this news. It’s hard to put into words the amount of people who cared, searched, said Tehillim, and didn’t give up for a second. Seeing the entire community come together like this was really something special. Endless credit to Chaverim of Rockland, Toronto Shomrim, the volunteers, and everyone involved behind the scenes. Wishing Esther and her family only peace, healing, and better days ahead.
Wow what a great Job to chaveirim 👏👍👍👏
Monsey scoop is an amazing website I just found it the first time
BH THEY FOUND HER
Baruch Hashem! I was keeping her in my prayers every day. I am so glad they found her.