After nearly two weeks of intensive, round-the-clock search efforts by law enforcement and hundreds of community volunteers, fourteen-year-old Esti has boruch Hashem been located and is safe.

“It’s with great relief that I can confirm that Esther was located by members of the Toronto Police Service earlier this afternoon,” Superintendent Don Belanger of 32 Division announced on Thursday. She was found in good condition at approximately 1:00 p.m. at a residence in Etobicoke. The discovery brings a wave of immense relief to the local Jewish community and all those who participated in the massive, cross-border search operation.

According to reports, the breakthrough came when Esti made a phone call from a train station earlier in the day, which authorities tracked to her location.

Belanger stated that Esti “appears to be in good physical health” but has been taken to a hospital for examination, where medical staff will assess “what emotional toll the situation may have caused her.” He also announced that the investigation will now turn to “whether or not there is any evidence of criminality” associated with her “prolonged disappearance.” Citing Esther‘s and her family’s “obvious right to privacy,” he noted that he would not be able to comment further at this time.

“This is really the earliest stage of this,” Belanger emphasized. “The next phase of the investigation is just starting.” He specifically thanked the investigative team made up of members of the Homicide and Missing Persons Unit and 32 Division for their “relentless efforts,” noting that they had “a singular goal from minute one of this investigation: to locate Esther safely and as quickly as possible.” He also thanked the search managers for Emergency Management and Public Order.

Following the rescue, Esti’s parents received an outpouring of community support. Esti’s faher released an emotional audio message expressing profound gratitude. “I want to thank everybody who’s been instrumental in finding my daughter, for all the support that every single person has given us during this difficult time,” he said. “I’m extremely emotional and ecstatic to have the information that my daughter has been found. Once again, I thank everybody for all their effort, the exhausting, exhausting hours, and support that we’ve gotten from everybody. When I have more information I will update everyone, but she’s been found safe. The police are assessing her, and I wanted to give everyone an update and thank everyone again. I love you all, and my wife and I appreciate you all. Thank you.”

The discovery brings a close to a harrowing two weeks. Esti originally vanished shortly after midnight on May 16, and was last seen near Bathurst Street and Hotspur Road, just south of Highway 401 in North York. Because she is on the autism spectrum, police were deeply concerned for her safety. Authorities quickly elevated the search to a rare Level 1 operation – their highest level – deploying canine, mounted, and marine units, alongside a dedicated command post at Earl Bales Park.

The community response was immediate and unprecedented. Hundreds of volunteers worked tirelessly alongside local askonim, putting up posters across the city, combing through hours of surveillance footage, and following up on potential clues. A secondary community command post was established on Wilson Avenue near Bathurst Street, and a $25,000 reward was offered by a family spokesperson for information leading to her safe return.

The search effort extended well beyond the local Toronto community, uniting hundreds of people across multiple countries. Toronto Shomrim and Hatzoloh were joined by specialized volunteer search teams who traveled from New York to assist. More than a dozen members of Chaverim of Rockland Search & Rescue and Matzil Search & Rescue arrived in Toronto, bringing advanced coordination resources and working around the clock – even spending Shavuos in Toronto – to assist local emergency personnel.

“And last, but truly not least,” Belanger said, “I must offer a special thank you to the community. The manner in which this community came together to support this investigation and Esther‘s family was nothing short of remarkable. This was more than a police search and a police investigation. It was truly a combined police and community effort, including the numerous tips we received daily. And for that, we are extremely grateful.”

Updated 4:15 pm: Includes official statements from the Toronto Police Service and Esti’s father.

Listen: Esti’s father reacts to the good news and thanks the volunteers.