With heavy hearts, on the fourth day of extensive search efforts, the missing teen from Modi’in Illit was located early this morning without signs of life by Fire and Rescue forces from the Lahavah Unit.
Earlier today, a report was received at the ZAKA emergency center regarding a body found near the Adam facility. ZAKA immediately responded and joined the coordinated efforts at the scene.
Chaim Otmazgin, Commander of ZAKA’s Special Units, said:
“From the moment the call was received, we deployed the best of ZAKA’s special units, including the diving unit, drone teams, and rescue crews. Over the past several days, the volunteers operated with extraordinary determination under nearly impossible conditions. At the height of the operation, they entered deep mud channels and dense terrain, working with their bare hands to clear blockages in the river flow, despite real personal risk, all to allow the searches to continue and to locate the teen. This was done in full cooperation with Fire and Rescue forces, the Lahavah Unit, Israel Police, and the Modi’in Illit municipality. Sadly, this morning the operation ended with devastating news, with the teen found without signs of life.”
Chaim Weingarten, ZAKA Deputy Director of Operations, added:
“This is a very sad morning. ZAKA volunteers, who have worked day and night in the most difficult scenes, hoped this time for a miracle. For nearly four days and nights they did everything possible under extremely harsh conditions. We extend our deepest condolences to the family at this painful time. I wish to thank the dozens of volunteers who left everything to respond out of a profound sense of mission, as well as members of the Boyan Hasidic community. ZAKA teams remain on site to provide the final honor and ensure all actions are carried out in accordance with Halacha.”
Following the completion of rescue operations and treatment of the scene, ZAKA Modi’in Illit teams are now transferring the teen to the Shamgar Funeral Home in Jerusalem, ahead of the funeral procession.
Shlomo Gottlieb, Commander of ZAKA Modi’in Illit, stated:
“The Modi’in Illit team accompanied this incident from the very first moment and worked in the field for many days alongside ZAKA’s special units and the Fire and Rescue Lahavah Unit. We are now handling the respectful transfer of the teen to the Shamgar Funeral Home in Jerusalem ahead of the funeral. We will continue to stand by the family in every way during this difficult time.”
