Drones, border police, ZAKA
Massive Search Continues for Missing Haredi Teen Swept Away by Floods Near Modi'in Illit
Israeli rescue services are leaving no stone unturned, during their search for a Haredi teen whow as swept away by a flash flood near Modi'in yesterday.
Emergency rescue teams have resumed a large-scale search operation this morning for a Haredi teenager who went missing on Tuesday after being swept away by the powerful currents of the Modi'im Stream.
The search, which was paused late last night due to darkness and dangerous conditions, has intensified with the arrival of elite units and specialized technology.
The Lehava Unit, the Israel Fire and Rescue Service's elite search-and-rescue team, is leading the effort along the banks and within the fast-moving waters. Drone footage released this morning shows the scale of the challenge: the stream, usually manageable, has transformed into a raging torrent following recent heavy rains.
Rescuers are utilizing thermal imaging cameras, specialized drones, and sonar equipment to penetrate the murky, turbulent water.
At the same time, border police canine units, police cavalry, and hundreds of volunteers from ZAKA and local rescue units are combing the riverbanks on foot.
Yehonadav Lifshitz, spokesperson for the Judea and Samaria Fire District, warned that the water remains extremely dangerous. "As you can see from the drone footage, the flow is still incredibly strong. Our divers and fighters are scanning the banks and entering the water where possible, hoping for a miracle."
Roi Liberman, commander of the ZAKA Divers Unit, added, "Our teams are operating under complex weather conditions and intense currents. We are prepared to continue as long as necessary, exhausting every possibility in the hope of bringing good news to the family."
Police are investigating the circumstances that led to the disappearance. Initial reports suggest the teen and a friend may have entered the water to perform a ritual immersion (Tevilah). While the friend managed to struggle back to the bank and pull himself out, the missing boy was overtaken by the current and vanished from sight.
Authorities have issued a stern warning to the public to stay away from riverbeds and flood-prone areas, emphasizing that strong flowing water masks a life-threatening danger.