Haredi Family Rescued After Navigation Error Causes Hours of Distress in Arava Hike

A Haredi family from Rekhasim experienced several hours of anxiety after a navigation mistake during a routine hike in Nahal Gov in the Arava region. The family, consisting of a father, six sons, and a daughter who stayed with the mother at their lodging, set out well-prepared with water, hats, and suitable gear. The trouble began when the father missed a correct turn due to a trail marking error, leading them onto a longer, more challenging route instead of their planned circular path.

Around 11:30 a.m., the father messaged his wife that they were on the green trail and expected to finish soon, though he already sensed the plan was off. The wife, familiar with the route, realized they had likely gone astray and alerted rescue forces. The family continued walking for hours under intense heat, eventually running out of water and energy. Two daughters had to rest under a tree while the father sought a spot with cellphone reception to send their location to police and rescue teams.

Volunteers from the Arava Rescue Unit found the family shortly after, provided water, and medical teams confirmed no hospital evacuation was necessary. Throughout the ordeal, the family prayed Psalms, and those at home also prayed and pledged charity. The father urged the public to thoroughly study hiking routes beforehand and not rely on memory or assumptions, especially avoiding long hikes in hot weather, admitting, "I thought it wouldn’t happen to us because we are experienced hikers, but I was wrong."