Israel Police search Jerusalem for mother suspected of abducting her two children

Israel Police are conducting an intensive search for a 20-year-old Jerusalem woman suspected of abducting her two young children and fleeing to Israel from Canada. The suspect, identified as Aliya Joy Hirschberg, is believed to have taken her three-year-old and one-year-old children with her in August 2025. Authorities confirmed this morning that Hirschberg and the children have been missing since that time, and police are urging the public to assist in locating them. The investigation was launched following a complaint filed by Hirschberg's husband, who claims the couple had been living alternately in Canada and the United States prior to the alleged abduction. According to police reports, Hirschberg holds Israeli citizenship along with an Israeli passport and identity card, whereas her husband does not. The couple reportedly had a disagreement in Canada, which led Hirschberg to take the children and travel to Israel, where they have remained unaccounted for. Police have issued an exit ban on Hirschberg, preventing her from leaving the country as the search continues. Investigators believe she may still be within the Jerusalem area, though no specific location has been pinpointed. Authorities have requested assistance from members of the public, asking anyone with relevant information to contact the Israel Police emergency hotline at 100 or reach out directly to the investigating unit at 02-5391550. Hirschberg's husband initially sought help from a private investigator to track down his wife and children after their disappearance. When these efforts proved fruitless, he turned to welfare authorities and local government officials, who eventually brought the case to the attention of law enforcement. This prompted the formal launch of the investigation into the alleged abduction. The case has drawn attention due to the international nature of the incident, involving movement between Canada, the United States, and Israel. Hirschberg's possession of Israeli documents suggests she may have planned the move well in advance. However, the exact circumstances surrounding the abduction remain unclear, with police emphasizing the need for further information to resolve the situation. Authorities have released a photo of Hirschberg to aid in the identification process, sharing it through official channels including social media platforms. The image shows the suspect wearing casual attire, with no identifying features obscured. Police have urged the public to provide any leads that could help locate Hirschberg and her children. As the search continues, police are working closely with other agencies to track down any potential sightings or movements related to the suspect. They have not ruled out the possibility that Hirschberg may have relocated to another part of Israel or even attempted to cross into neighboring countries. However, given the exit ban, such movements would be difficult to confirm at this stage. The case highlights the complexities of international child custody disputes and the challenges faced by law enforcement in tracking individuals across borders. While the focus remains on locating Hirschberg and ensuring the safety of the children, authorities have emphasized the importance of community cooperation in resolving the situation swiftly.