Man Rescued After Getting Stuck 12 Meters Up Tree While Gathering Sukkah Materials

A 40-year-old man was rescued on Thursday from a tree in Shoham, central Israel, after becoming stranded approximately 12 meters above the ground. The individual had climbed the tree to trim branches for his Sukkah, the temporary hut used during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, but found himself unable to descend.

Firefighters from the Ayalon station responded to the emergency call and arrived to find the man exhausted and unable to get down. Using specialized rescue equipment and careful maneuvering, the firefighters secured the man and brought him safely to the ground. He was unharmed and did not require medical attention.

The incident commander, Reshef Miki Ben Huta, emphasized the potential dangers involved in gathering Sukkah materials, stating that while this rescue ended safely, similar situations could lead to tragedy. He urged the public to exercise personal responsibility, avoid unnecessary risks like climbing tall trees or approaching power lines, and to collect Sukkah materials only from safe and regulated locations.

This rescue follows a series of recent injuries related to Sukkah construction. On Wednesday, a 21-year-old man in Bnei Brak was electrocuted by an exposed cable while building a Sukkah. The previous day, a 60-year-old man in Bnei Brak fell from a chair during Sukkah construction, sustaining moderate injuries. Additionally, a one-year-old baby in Bnei Brak was injured when a wooden plank fell on her from a height of about 2.5 meters during Sukkah assembly.

In response to potential safety hazards, the Israel Land Authority has initiated operations across the country to prevent illegal construction of balconies, structures, and additions, particularly in the lead-up to Sukkot, warning that such unauthorized building not only violates the law but also endangers lives.