Parents of Missing Boy Yuval Praise Volunteers After His Safe Recovery in Nitzanim Dunes

Danny and Dina Kogen, parents of four-year-old Yuval who was found safe after being missing for nearly 24 hours, expressed immense relief and gratitude on Friday evening. Yuval was located in the Nitzanim dunes, tired but healthy, and soon after was reunited with his parents, quickly making up for missed meals with sweets and drinks. Danny shared that Yuval told them about his experience alone in the wilderness, including sleeping under a large tree, seeing a helicopter and a ship, and hearing what were likely illumination flares from security forces. He also mentioned that Yuval walked about five kilometers by himself and kept a white hat that may have protected him.

The search operation involved over 5,000 volunteers from across Israel despite the intense heat. Danny described the family's difficult night filled with fear and worry but underscored their hope and prayers, calling Yuval's safe return a "true miracle" that brought their family back to life. The parents specifically thanked the two volunteers who found Yuval, Nati Biton from Moshav Emunim and Noam Samchi from Ashdod, calling them heroes and "messengers of God" who restored their son and their breath.

Yuval's parents' heartfelt statements highlighted the emotional ordeal and the community's massive mobilization that led to the boy's safe recovery in central Israel's Nitzanim area.