Noam Simchi, a ZAKA volunteer on horseback, spotted 4-year-old Yuval Kogan during expanded search operations in Ashkelon on Friday afternoon and called in other forces. 'We saw him in a place where no living soul could survive, a miracle that he came out alive,' Simchi said, according to N12.
Four-year-old Yuval Kogan was located alive on Friday afternoon by ZAKA volunteer Noam Simchi, who was on horseback during expanded search operations in Ashkelon. Simchi described the discovery as a miracle, saying the child was found in a place where 'no living soul could survive.' He alerted other forces, and the rescue ended a massive national search that had drawn the IDF, police, and thousands of volunteers.
As The Zioneer reported at 16:50 Jerusalem, Southern District Police Commander Haim Bublil said that from the initial investigation, Yuval had walked toward what he thought led to his home, apparently fell asleep during the night, and woke up in a shaded area. When he heard horses approaching, he called out to them and was located. The child also gave a first testimony to police, stating that he lost his father and walked on foot. Police Commissioner Danny Levi met with Yuval earlier in the day.
Later on Friday evening, President Isaac Herzog spoke with Simchi, thanking him for his efforts, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the safe return, calling it a demonstration of the nation's mutual responsibility, as The Zioneer reported.
The child's condition has not been disclosed, but he was found alive and under medical care. The circumstances of his disappearance remain under investigation.
7 developments
- DevelopingFather of missing Ashkelon child tells Ben Gvir 'something fishy'; minister says he will meet Shin Bet chief
- StrongAshkelon mayor: 'A clear miracle' to see Yuval Kogan in his mother's arms
- DevelopingNetanyahu congratulates on safe return of Yuval Kogan, cites 'mutual responsibility'
- StrongPolice interrogate 4-year-old boy, send him to hospital
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