Body of Missing Israeli Hiker Ami Yogevev Found on Mount Olympus

The body of Ami Yogevev, a 46-year-old from Modi'in, was discovered on Mount Olympus in Greece on Friday, 19 days after he went missing. The discovery was made by a volunteer search and rescue team from the "Chaverim B'Tzala" organization, concluding a search that began after Yogevev disappeared on September 20.

"The rescue mission of Chaverim B'Tzala located Ami Yogevev, who has been missing since 20.9.26. Our hearts are with the Yogevev family during these difficult times," the organization stated on Facebook. In the days leading up to the discovery, Yogevev's family funded the search efforts through personal means and donations, appealing for state intervention.

The "Chaverim B'Tzala" volunteers operated under challenging conditions, preparing for the descent from the mountain as darkness approached. "I am here with the forces coordinating a complex descent from the mountain. We will provide further updates as soon as we can," the organization reported, requesting public understanding and patience until the operation concluded.

Yogevev had traveled to Greece in early September, initially intending to look for work. His mother, Shosh Debi, told Kan News that he had rented a car and planned to travel before starting his job search. He informed her on a Saturday that he was going to Mount Olympus to hike. He was last seen at the summit, where he took a photograph. His rental car, along with his suitcase, bag, and laptop, were found at the trailhead parking lot. His brother, Shlomi, spoke about their last conversation and a prior ankle injury that preceded his disappearance.