Israeli Hiker Missing on Mount Olympus, Family Appeals for Aid

Ami Yogev, a 46-year-old Israeli from Modiin, has been missing on Greece's Mount Olympus since Sunday. His last known contact was a photograph he sent to his mother from the summit before communication was lost. An Israeli private search and rescue company, Magnus, arrived on Wednesday to assist, but Yogev has not yet been found. His family is now appealing to the public for donations to fund the ongoing search efforts, as Yogev was not insured for his trip abroad.

According to his mother, Shoshi Debi, Yogev's car was found at a parking lot with all his belongings, including luggage, a computer, and expensive equipment. She stated that her son took a simpler route to the summit, took a photo, and then lost contact. A local mountain guide reportedly saw Yogev at the summit on Sunday with a bandaged leg, who mentioned he had a near-fall but didn't require assistance and intended to descend.

Debi expressed concern for her son's safety, noting his lack of experience in hiking and mountaineering could make the situation particularly dangerous. She does not believe he voluntarily disappeared, citing the valuable equipment left in his car and his character. The search is entering a critical phase, with time running out. The family has launched a crowdfunding campaign to cover the costs of private rescue teams, emphasizing that every hour is crucial.

Mount Olympus, located in northern Greece, is the country's highest mountain, with its peak reaching 2,917 meters. The search area is vast, encompassing a national park with 52 peaks. The family is desperately seeking any information or assistance to determine Yogev's whereabouts.