Missing in Gaza: What we know so far about the strange case of Avera Mengistu
Source: Haaretz
How did he make it into Gaza? Is Hamas holding him? And why was the gag-order suddenly lifted? Here's everything we know – and don't – about Avera Mengistu.
Avera Mengistu, a 28-year-old Ethiopian Israeli, has been missing since September 2014, when he left his home in southern Israel and crossed into the besieged costal enclave of Gaza Strip. Though missing for over 10 months, news of his disappearance shook the nation, which was left in the dark due to a court-imposed gag order placed on the case.
Last Thursday, after a lengthy legal battle by Haaretz, the veil of secrecy was lifted and details of the case were made public, leading to claims of racism and mismanagement, as well as an outpouring of sympathy. Here is a look back at everything we know – and don't know – about Avera Mengistu:
Mengistu, 28, is an Israeli citizen of Ethiopian descent. He lived in Ashkelon's Shikmim neighborhood with his mother, and is one of seven brothers and sisters. Mengistu was known to local welfare authorities as suffering from psychological issues and it is possible he is also mentally challenged. He may have been drinking on the day of his disappearance and this might not have been the first time that he tried to enter Gaza.
Read more: http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/1.665634
