Four-Year-Old Yuval Kogan Found Safe After Day-Long Disappearance at Ashkelon Beach

Yuval Kogan, a four-year-old boy who went missing for nearly 24 hours at Ashkelon’s northern beach, was found safe on Friday afternoon. Yuval disappeared around 12:30 PM on Thursday during a family outing with his father and two older sisters while picnicking near the dunes. His last known location was captured on security cameras at the northern beach area where he vanished into dense vegetation.

Yuval’s father described the moment of disappearance, saying Yuval was just behind him before suddenly going out of sight. The search involved full mobilization of emergency services after Yuval’s mother, Dr. Dina Kogan, a pediatrician, appealed to the public for help. She expressed deep concern about the boy’s safety, warning of immediate life danger and raising the possibility of abduction given the circumstances and the terrain, which was not suitable for a child to wander alone.

Those who found Yuval reported seeing him standing under a tree, watching them. The family and authorities had feared the worst, with Dr. Kogan emphasizing the urgency and the need to consider all scenarios, including potential involvement of another person. Yuval was described as curious and playful but afraid of water, making it unlikely he would have gone toward the sea on his own. The successful rescue ended a tense day of searching and public worry.

Summary: Four-year-old Yuval Kogan, missing for nearly a day at Ashkelon’s northern beach, was found alive and well after extensive search efforts involving emergency services and public assistance.