Boy Goes Missing in Jordan River

Boy (12) Dies While Rafting with Family in Jordan River | WATCH

Fire and rescue teams search Jordan River near Maaleh Yesod after boy capsized from raft. After an extensive operation ongoing in Hula Valley, the boy was found without signs of life.

Bianca Jones

AUG 9, 2026 15:45

2 min read

Large-Scale Search in Jordan River for Missing Youth

Fire and rescue teams along with special extraction unit soldiers launched an extensive search Sunday in the Jordan River near Maaleh Yesod in the Hula Valley after a boy capsized from a raft and contact was lost with him.

According to reports, the boy was rafting in the area with family members when he capsized. Rescue forces immediately began comprehensive search operations in the river, working alongside Israel Police and additional agencies.

Multiple fire and rescue teams from the Galilee-Golan district have been mobilized to the scene. Given the difficult terrain, specialized units from the national special extraction unit (LAHAV) were also deployed to assist in the search.

A police aerial unit helicopter was dispatched to the area, and police water rescue teams conducted intensive searches along the riverbanks and in the water itself.

Although the boy was located, and medical teams on site tried to resucitate him, he passed away.

Channel 13 added that this search follows a tragic incident approximately six weeks ago, when two teenage girls drowned in the Jordan River near Kibbutz Lahavot Hashomer in Western Galilee. Hala Azzam and Iman Khair, both age 13 from the village of Abu Sanan, were swept away by the current. Their friend, who managed to escape the water, alerted rescue forces. Within hours, both girls were found and pronounced dead.

That incident prompted a massive search operation involving 13 fire and rescue teams from the Galilee-Golan region and specialized extraction units from the Northern District. Given the complex terrain, additional national special extraction teams were deployed. Police helicopter units and police water rescue teams conducted intensive searches along the riverbanks and in the water.