Missing Toronto Jewish teenage girl found after two weeks

The family said in a statement that Esther still needed proper medical care, evaluation, and support from her family in the coming days. They asked for privacy and prayers while they focused on their daughter's health and recovery.

"There are no words to describe the relief we are feeling knowing that Esti has been found safe. For the first time in days, we can hug our daughter and breathe again," said the family.

"To the thousands of people who carried our family through this nightmare - thank you will never feel big enough. To every person who searched, shared her photo, hung flyers, checked cameras, sent messages, prayed, or simply held our family in their hearts: you gave us strength when we were running on none. We are so blessed to have a Jewish community here in Toronto that stood behind us and relentlessly did what they could.  There are not enough words to thank the overwhelming support from the Jewish community and every resident of Toronto and the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) who searched for Esti as if she were their own daughter," said the family. "What we witnessed over these past days was extraordinary. People from all over the city, the country, and around the world came together for a child they had never even met. Complete strangers stopped what they were doing to help bring our daughter home. That love and humanity are something our family will never forget."

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said on X that he was relieved that Esther had been returned to her loved ones, and federal opposition leader Pierre Poilievre on Facebook called the conclusion a "blessed relief" for the family. Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner said the girl's return was a "powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when a community comes together."

Before Esther had been found, spokeswoman Maureen Leshem had announced on Instagram on Wednesday evening that some search operations had been suspended to assess information that she had been spotted at a subway station.

Controversy arose after some of the missing persons posters that were posted were torn down, with the family concerned that the repeated incidents had been motivated by antisemitism.

As the search for Esther entered its tenth day, a reward of $25,000 was offered by a group of multi-faith Toronto residents in exchange for information leading to the girl's return.

The United Jewish Appeal Federation of Greater Toronto praised the community for coming together with "extraordinary care, concern, and determination."

"At this time, our hearts are with Esther and her family as they focus on rest, healing, and privacy. We ask our community to continue holding them in compassion and respect during this sensitive moment," said the UJA Federation. "This experience has been a powerful reminder of the strength of community-and what is possible when people come together in moments of urgency and care."

Esther's parents addressed their daughter in a press briefing last Tuesday, urging her to come home and assuring her that no matter what happened, she was not in trouble.

"Esti, my love, if you are watching this, please come home. We love you so very much. We miss you terribly. Your family, here, across the country, and around the world, are searching and praying for you every minute," said Esther's mother, Shira, "Your friends, classmates, and community are all worried about you and hoping to see you safe."