Two Israelis Die Abroad in Separate Tragedies in Thailand and Norway

Two Israeli citizens died in separate incidents abroad at the end of September. One Israeli, who also held French citizenship, was murdered on the island of Koh Phangan in Thailand on September 30. Local authorities are investigating multiple motives, with media reports suggesting a possible hate crime while other sources indicate a criminal dispute is the primary focus.

In Norway, a 24-year-old resident of Jerusalem drowned on the same day after a kayaking trip on Lake Vangsvatnet near Voss. He and a friend, despite strong winds and rough water, capsized. The survivor was rescued conscious and alerted rescuers to his missing companion. A two-hour search involving a helicopter, drones, and volunteers located the second Israeli, but resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful. He was transported to Haukeland University Hospital in Bergen, where he was pronounced dead.

The Israeli Embassy in Oslo is in constant contact with Norwegian police and providing support to the deceased's family. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs' department for handling citizens abroad is also involved. The international organization ZAKA is assisting with the repatriation of the body to Israel and supporting the bereaved family.