Aaron Sofer
Photo: Jerusalem Police Spokesperson
Police expand search for missing American Haredi man
Parents of Aaron Sofer arrive in Israel amid ongoing searches for the 23-year-old, five days after his disappearance in Jerusalem forest.
Police announced Wednesday that search and rescue teams have expanded the search for 23-year-old Aaron Sofer, an American Haredi Jew who disappeared last Friday near Jerusalem.
Also in the announcement, police released a video of Sofer disembarking from the light rail in Jerusalem at Mount Herzl. The video is the last known documentation of Sofer's whereabouts. Police say that there is no indication that nationalistic violence played any role in his disappearance.
Aaron Sofer's mother in Israel (צילום: דוברות משטרת ירושלים)
Sofer's parents arrived in Israel on Wednesday from their home in the US. They met with district police commander Yossi Pariente, who updated them on current efforts to find their son.
"The police are doing their best and investing all their resources to find Aaron," said Pariente.
Aaron Sofer, missing in the Jerusalem forest. (Photo: Police Spokesperson's Unit)
The head of the special investigation team, Gilad Bahat, spoke to media Wednesday and said that, "Hundreds of officers and volunteers were called for searches in the Jerusalem forest when the missing report was filed. Police are also coordinating with actions of professional search and rescue units and many other efforts."
Photo: Police Spokeperson's Unit
"The search is centered on the Jerusalem forest, nearby neighborhoods and the area where the young man lives. Today, the search was expanded even further," said Bahat.
Volunteers from several organizations are also taking part in searches as are K-9 units from the IDF.
Sofer's parents expressed gratitude to Pariente, saying that they were thankful for the police and volunteers for their continued actions throughout "the days and nights," to find their son.
