Mother of Israeli boy describes alleged kidnapping attempt in Petah Tikva

The mother of Yahali Sofer told Maariv that the suspect, a Jerusalem resident, emotionally manipulated her son, claiming he had been kicked out of his home and had no money. Yahali reportedly agreed to help him collect donations, and the suspect used him to beg. The mother said a religious police officer gave them 100 shekels, which was used to buy pizza. The police are still investigating the circumstances. The suspect was arrested after the boy was found in Bnei Brak. The family is troubled by a phone call the suspect made from another child's phone and deleted. The boy had been missing for hours, prompting a large search. He was found safe and identified via video call by his mother. The mother warns other parents and children about such approaches.