Father Vanishes in Meron Area After Son Wounded in Gaza

A desperate search is underway for David Eish, 65, a mentally vulnerable resident of a Kfar Saba hostel who disappeared in the rugged Meron area after learning his son was seriously wounded in Gaza.Eish was last seen on October 23 near the tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai (Rashbi), a major pilgrimage site, as reported by Ynet.

His son, Rachamim Eish, was injured in a deadly incident in Rafah on October 19 that claimed the lives of Maj. Yaniv Kola and 1st Sgt. Itai Yeavetz.

According to family, David became deeply distraught upon receiving news of his son’s injury. The following day, he left the hostel and traveled to Meron to pray at the holy graves. He has not been heard from since.“I’m in rehab and it’s killing me that I can’t even go search for my father,” Rachamim told reporters from his hospital bed. “If anyone saw him, please – we just want him home safe.”

Police, volunteers, K-9 units, mounted officers, helicopters, and trackers launched an intensive search Wednesday morning from Hillel Plaza at the Rashbi tomb. The public has been asked to join on foot, horseback, or off-road vehicles.

Description of David Eish: White shirt

Gray pants

White sandals

Large white kippah

Anyone with information is urged to call police hotline 100 or 052-3115076.The Meron-Safed region has gained notoriety as Israel’s “Bermuda Triangle” due to a string of unsolved disappearances amid dense wilderness, spiritual enclaves, poverty, and reports of cult activity.

Notable prior cases: Moishy Kleinerman, 16, missing since March 25, 2022 near Rashbi tomb

Heymanut Kassou, 9, vanished February 25, 2023 in Safed

Rafael Chaim Haddad, 60, last seen November 18, 2022

David Israel Pedida, 28, disappeared October 15, 2024

Moshe Eliezer Ilovitz, 37, missing since May 18, 2019

Time is critical. Authorities warn that with each passing hour, the likelihood of finding Eish alive decreases.

Ynet contributed to this article.