“A physically, mentally and emotionally healthy young man does not go missing for 72 hours.The family is not satisfied with the way the search and rescue operation has been handled thus far. It’s well known that a murder took place in that forest, and especially with the ongoing tensions with Palestinians, we feel there should be a military presence and involvement in the search for Aaron.”
Above and below: Aaron Sofer
Haredi Yeshiva Student Still Missing; Family Criticizes Search, Asks For IDF Involvement
Shmarya Rosenberg • FailedMessiah.com
Aaron Sofer, a 23-year-old haredi yeshiva student from Lakewood, New Jersey, went missing in the Jerusalem Forest Friday at about noon while hiking there with a friend. He was reportedly separated from that friend during a steep descent.
The friend called police and reported Sofer missing at 6:00 pm Friday after Sofer failed to return to his yeshiva.
Police, the haredi-Orthodox rescue and recovery organization ZAKA and the haredi first responder EMT organization Ichud Hatzalah have all been searching for Sofer but to no avail.
However, Sofer’s family says the search is inadequate.
“A physically, mentally and emotionally healthy young man does not go missing for 72 hours.The family is not satisfied with the way the search and rescue operation has been handled thus far. It’s well known that a murder took place in that forest, and especially with the ongoing tensions with Palestinians, we feel there should be a military presence and involvement in the search for Aaron,” a Sofer family spokesman, Dov Hirth, reportedly said.
A 16-year-old Arab boy, Muhammad Abu Khdeir, was burned alive there by three haredi and ex-haredi extremists on July 2.
People are asked to pray for Sofer’s safe return. His Jewish name is Aharon ben Hulda.
Sofer is 1.75 meters (5’9”) tall, lean build, and has short red hair, reed peyot and a short red beard. He was reportedly wearing black pants, a white shirt and a black kipa when he disappeared.
Police ask that anyone with any relevant information about Sofer to immediately call police in Jerusalem at 02-5391520 or the 100 emergency police hotline.
Related Posts: