The South District police commander said Friday that 4-year-old Yuval Kogan, who went missing in Ashkelon, walked toward what he thought was his home, fell asleep during the night, and stayed in the shade in the morning, which likely saved his life. He was found after hearing horses and calling out to them.
Friday evening, South District Police Commander Haim Bublil provided additional details on how 4-year-old Yuval Kogan survived his overnight disappearance in Ashkelon. According to the commander, Yuval walked toward what he thought was his home, fell asleep during the night, and stayed in a shaded area in the morning. He was located after hearing approaching horses and calling out to them.
The Zioneer reported throughout Friday afternoon the progression of the story. At 16:50 Jerusalem, the first version noted Police Commissioner Danny Levi met with Yuval. Shortly after, Yuval gave his first testimony, saying he lost his father and walked on foot. The commander then reported that Yuval walked toward home, fell asleep, and was found by horses. A ZAKA volunteer on horseback located the child, describing the location as a place where "no living soul could survive" and calling his survival a miracle. The commander later confirmed that Yuval survived by staying in the shade. The detail about the horses was further elaborated in subsequent updates.
The Zioneer reported earlier Friday that the commander called Yuval a "smart child" for taking shelter. Ashkelon Mayor Tomer Glam called the reunion "a clear miracle." Initial concerns about a possible kidnapping, raised by security sources, were not substantiated.
The exact circumstances of how Yuval became separated from his father and the precise timeline of his overnight movements remain under investigation. The child's testimony is still being examined.
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