Rescuers Save Man Stranded on Tree While Gathering Sukkot Branches

On September 24, 2026, a resident of Shoham, Israel, found himself in a precarious situation while preparing for the Sukkot holiday. The man climbed approximately twelve meters up a tree to gather branches for his Sukkah, but became unable to descend on his own. He was left stranded and exhausted in the tree's crown.

The fire and rescue services of the Central District received a call to their dispatch center, and rescue teams from the Ayalon station were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, firefighters located the man at a significant height and initiated a complex rescue operation.

Using specialized climbing equipment and safety precautions, the rescuers ascended to the man, secured him with harnesses, and carefully brought him down to safety. The individual did not require medical attention, having sustained only fright and no physical injuries.

Following the incident, the commander of the rescue operation, Reshef Miki Ben Huta, issued a public warning. He advised citizens engaged in Sukkot preparations, such as building Sukkahs and gathering materials, to avoid climbing tall trees, approaching power lines, or collecting materials in unsafe locations. He emphasized that in emergencies, individuals should immediately call emergency services at 102.