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Missing Persons Case

Israelis Found in Argentina After Fleeing

Maly and Liel Yahalomi contacted family from Argentina, confirming they left Israel voluntarily. An investigator reveals the financial pressures that drove their departure.

Mali and Liel Yahalomi

Maly and Liel Yahalomi, two Israeli women whose disappearance sparked widespread concern across Israel, have been located in Argentina. The pair recently contacted family members, acknowledging that their departure was intentional and promising further communication.

A source involved in the investigation, speaking to Israel's Channel 12 News, sought to clarify the circumstances surrounding their flight. "Contrary to published reports, they weren't searching for a country without an extradition treaty with criminal intent, and they haven't committed any criminal offense," the source explained. "They were primarily researching how much cash could be legally withdrawn from the bank to enter a country, and chose a destination with a relatively weak currency."

According to the investigator, Mali faced severe financial difficulties and accumulated mounting debts with compounding interest over an extended period. She attempted to resolve the situation before deciding to leave. "We're talking about debts exceeding 200,000 shekels (approximately $55,000), which only grew month by month. She pursued a master's degree to increase her salary at the bank, but even that wasn't enough. Eventually she was promoted in her position, but couldn't recover financially, and fled from the debts left behind."

When asked why Mali didn't turn to family for help, the investigator offered an assessment: "She apparently feared the family would prevent her from leaving, possibly out of concern they'd be asked to cover the debts—so she concealed everything and planned to contact them only from the destination country."

A source close to the family questioned the logic behind the decision. "Mali is not a young woman; she's practical. Bolivia doesn't have a functioning healthcare system like Israel's. What will she work at there, when even in Israel it was difficult, and what will her quality of life look like there?"

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