Urgent Search Continues for Missing 19-Year-Old Haredi Teen in Storm-Ravaged Israel

Israeli police, ZAKA search-and-rescue volunteers, and emergency services are conducting an intensive search along the flooded Yarkon River for Eliyahu Abba Shaul, a 19-year-old yeshiva student from Bnei Brak who has been missing since Wednesday evening (December 10) at the height of the powerful winter storm “Byron.”

Personal belongings belonging to the missing youth, including his shoes and his black electric bicycle (with red lettering), were discovered Thursday on the riverbank near Rokach Boulevard in Ramat Gan, prompting authorities to focus the search along the Yarkon River. Divers, kayaks, boats, K-9 units, off-road vehicles, and drones are all being deployed in the operation.

Last seen:Wearing a white shirt, black sweater, and black pants

Riding a black e-bike with red lettering

Left his home in Bnei Brak during torrential rain and strong winds on Wednesday evening

Police have released Eliyahu’s photograph (with family permission) and are urging anyone with information to immediately contact the Israel Police hotline at 100.

The search has continued through the night and into Friday morning despite freezing temperatures and lingering floodwaters from the storm, which has been one of the most severe in recent years. The same weather system has already claimed at least one life (a man who died of hypothermia in Jerusalem) and triggered dozens of flood rescues across the country.As of 09:00 Israel time on December 12, Eliyahu has not been located, and concerns for his life are growing with every passing hour.

The public, particularly in the ultra-Orthodox community, has been asked to pray for אליהו בן לאה (Eliyahu ben Leah).Sources: Israel Police.

The search remains active.