Israeli Volunteer Network Mobilizes to Find Missing Hiker in Greece

Ami Yogev, a 46-year-old Israeli from Modi'in, went missing on Mount Olympus in Greece on September 20th. He had decided spontaneously to hike the mountain and kept in daily contact with his mother, Shosh Debi, sending photos and updates. His last message indicated he was on his way to the summit, after which all communication ceased. His family, realizing he was missing, initiated a search effort that quickly involved dozens of Israelis in Greece and others who traveled there specifically to help.

The "Friends Rescuers" (חברים מחלצים) organization, an Israeli volunteer network operating under the "Gvanim" (גוונים) association, coordinated the search. This organization connects worried families in Israel with volunteers and professionals abroad, managing information and liaising with local rescue and medical services, all without charge. Liran Aviram, an Israeli living in Greece, was contacted and mobilized her husband Zak's drone company, "Altus," to aid the search.

After two and a half weeks, Yogev's body was discovered in a ravine, likely from a significant fall during his climb. Yiftach Shavit, a co-founder of "Friends Rescuers," described the challenging terrain where the search took place. The Israeli Consulate in Greece is now assisting Yogev's family with arrangements for his burial in Israel.

The "Friends Rescuers" organization was founded by Nirit Rimmon in memory of her son, Yanai Rimmon, who drowned in Mexico four years prior. During her son's search, she felt the lack of a central body to coordinate efforts and connect volunteers. The organization aims to provide a comprehensive support system for Israelis in distress abroad, drawing on a global network of volunteers, including former elite unit members, medical professionals, and intelligence community alumni.

Since its inception three and a half years ago, "Friends Rescuers" has handled over a thousand inquiries, with more than 230 classified as genuine emergencies in 49 countries. The organization estimates it has saved approximately 35 lives. When asked by locals about missing Israelis, volunteers often explain they are simply Israeli citizens, countering assumptions they might be Mossad agents or politicians. The network also offers psychological support and legal assistance, as demonstrated in cases involving a missing soldier in Thailand and a hiker injured in Laos who later became a volunteer.