Aaron Sofer, a 23-year-old haredi yeshiva student, went missing in the Beit Zayit area of the Jerusalem Forest Friday at approximate noon, sparking a large manhunt. He is still missing.
Above: Aaron ben Chuldah Sofer
Haredi Yeshiva Student Missing In Jerusalem Forest
Shmarya Rosenberg • FailedMessiah.com
Aaron Sofer, a 23-year-old haredi yeshiva student, went missing in the Beit Zayit area of the Jerusalem Forest Friday at approximate noon, sparking a large manhunt.
Throughout Shabbat, helicopters hovered over the area the yeshiva student was last seen and volunteers combed the area on foot in hopes of finding him.
Sofer was hiking with a friend Friday morning but the two reportedly separated when descending a steep incline.
The friend reportedly called police and reported Sofer missing six hours later at 6:00 pm Israel Time Friday.
Police reportedly called the haredi emergency response and rescue organization ZAKA at 1:45 am Israel Time Saturday and asked for assistance in the search. ZAKA and Ichud Hatzalah both joined the search during Shabbat.
Rabbis and community activists made announcements at the close of Shabbat calling on haredim to join the search.
Sofer lives in Lakewood, New Jersey. His Hebrew name is Aharon ben Hulda.
Anyone with any information should call either (or both) 02-539-1520 or 100 in Israel.