Phone Shop Owner Buys Stolen IDF Soldier’s Phone to Return It to Her

IDF soldier Yahel Saban had her mobile phone stolen after leaving her car unlocked in Tiberias. The phone was later sold to Nesi Boganim, owner of the phone shop "Nesi Communications" in the city, by a man who entered his store. Boganim recognized Saban’s image on the phone’s lock screen, showing her in uniform, and decided to buy the stolen device to return it to her. He filmed a video inside his shop showing the lock screen and appealed to social media users for help locating the soldier, which quickly went viral and connected the two.

Boganim recounted in a joint interview with Saban on "HaOlam HaBoker" that the man initially tried to pressure him into buying the stolen phone, but he refused until he saw the soldier’s photo. He explained, "I said, ‘I will buy it, give it good publicity, and try to return it to her; it’s a mitzvah to return lost property.’" Saban, who was frustrated over losing the phone containing all her memories, was soon surprised when her commander called to inform her about the extensive search for her phone online.

During a live broadcast, Saban expressed her gratitude to Boganim, saying, "I want to thank you very much, and that you truly represent the good of this nation." The story highlights a rare act of kindness and community effort to return lost property to an IDF soldier.