Israeli Police Rescue Mother and Eight Children Lost Near Gush Etzion During Bein Hazmanim

A police rescue unit in the Etzion-Yehuda area was called last night after a family from Beitar Illit, consisting of a mother and eight children aged 3 to 18, lost contact during a hike in the Gush Etzion region. The family had set out around midday for a trip near the settlement of Tekoa in eastern Gush Etzion. When darkness fell and communication was lost, the family contacted the Israel Police to report they feared they had lost their way.

Following the report, volunteers from the Etzion-Yehuda police rescue unit, assisted by the security department of the Gush Etzion Regional Council, conducted extensive searches in the area. During the search, one of the volunteers spotted the family after they safely reached the settlement of Nokdim. The family was found unharmed.

The police reminded the public, especially during the Bein Hazmanim vacation period, to prepare thoroughly before hiking: know the route, match it to the hikers' abilities, carry enough water, inform relatives, and plan to finish before nightfall.