Experienced Israeli Mountaineer Alaa Fares Dies in Swiss-Italian Alps Rockslide

Alaa Fares, a 32-year-old engineer and experienced mountaineer from the northern Israeli village of Hurfeish, died on Monday after falling from a great height during a complex climb along the Swiss-Italian border. Fares, a Technion graduate and former elite IDF unit member, had climbed over 40 challenging peaks worldwide, including in the US, Italy, and Switzerland. His uncle, Zohar Fares, told ynet that Alaa had reached the summit safely and was beginning his descent when contact was lost for several hours. Witnesses reported seeing two people fall due to a rockslide, and both Alaa and his Belarusian climbing partner were found dead after a four-hour rescue operation involving helicopters.

The family is coordinating with the Israeli Foreign Ministry to confirm Alaa's identity through DNA testing before the body is released. Another uncle, Hani Fares, emphasized Alaa's professionalism and experience, noting that the mountain was not the most dangerous he had climbed. Hani recounted a recent climb with Alaa in Chamonix, France, highlighting his responsible approach. The climbers had a local contact who lost communication with them around 4 p.m., prompting an immediate rescue response.

Alaa was recently engaged and planning his wedding, making the loss especially tragic for his family. His mother, Abtasam, known locally as "the mother of the soldiers" for cooking for thousands of troops stationed in northern Israel since October 7, now mourns her son. The family is awaiting official confirmation and preparing for the funeral. Alaa's death marks a painful moment for the community and highlights the risks even expert climbers face in the Alps.