Israeli Hiker Missing on Mount Olympus in Greece

A 46-year-old Israeli man from Modi'in, Ami Yogev, has been missing since Sunday on Mount Olympus in Greece. Yogev last spoke with his mother, Shosh Debi, on Sunday afternoon, after which all contact was lost. His phone is reportedly unavailable, and his mother is unaware of his whereabouts.

According to Debi, her son flew to Athens from Israel on short notice last Tuesday and maintained daily contact. He informed her on Sunday that he intended to climb Mount Olympus, sending her photos during the ascent. The last communication was a photo sent as he was heading to the summit, after which he stopped responding.

Debi expressed deep distress, stating she has been unable to sleep and is fearful for her son's safety. She wishes only to know he is alive and well, even if he chooses not to return. She is unable to travel to Greece to assist in the search due to her age and financial constraints, as she was informed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Yogev apparently left Israel without insurance, and his mother cannot afford the search costs, which she was quoted as being around $8,500 for three days through a private company suggested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ministry stated it has provided all relevant information to Greek authorities and the police, who are conducting the search. A missing person report has been filed with Israeli police, who are coordinating with Interpol.

The Israeli Consulate in Athens and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Desk for Israelis in Distress Abroad are in contact with local Greek authorities and are assisting in the search efforts. A drone company specializing in thermal imaging, identified by the Israeli Embassy in Greece, has volunteered to aid the search, including during nighttime hours.