Noam Simchi, the Breslov Hasid who located missing 4-year-old Yuval Kogan earlier Friday, told President Isaac Herzog in a phone conversation that he spotted the child under a tree after the search team lost their way, according to N12. 'When someone from the people of Israel is in trouble, we come first,' Simchi said.
Noam Simchi, the Breslov Hasid who located missing 4-year-old Yuval Kogan earlier Friday, told President Isaac Herzog in a phone conversation that he spotted the child under a tree after the search team lost their way, according to N12. The new details from Simchi's account, reported at 16:53 Jerusalem, come after the child was found safe near Nitzanim beach following a large-scale search.
The search for Yuval, who disappeared from Ashkelon, prompted the deployment of specialized units including the Prison Service's Tzur unit, drone teams, and additional forces by 14:56 Jerusalem. A volunteer from United Hatzalah first spotted the child standing under a tree near Nitzanim beach, dehydrated but conscious, and described the discovery as a 'great miracle.' The rescuer was later identified as Noam Simchi, a Breslov Hasid from Ashdod who had gone out on horseback. By 16:53, reports confirmed Simchi had spoken with the president. A security source later suggested the child may have been kidnapped, stating at 16:55 that if so, 'the state should tremble.'
President Herzog had earlier spoken with Yuval's mother, Dina Kogan, at 10:51 Jerusalem, calling for public assistance. The Zioneer reported at 17:04 that the child was found approximately 20 km north of the disappearance site, near Ashdod, in an area characterized by dunes. Assessments indicated it was unlikely the child reached the location alone.
The circumstances of how Yuval traveled such a distance from home remain under investigation. The kidnapping assessment from security sources has not been officially confirmed.
10 developments
- DevelopingNetanyahu congratulates on safe return of Yuval Kogan, cites 'mutual responsibility'
- StrongAshkelon mayor: 'A clear miracle' to see Yuval Kogan in his mother's arms
- DevelopingPresident Herzog speaks with mother of missing child, calls for help in search
- StrongParents of missing Haymanot Kasaou welcome Yuval Kogan's discovery
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