Missing Israeli tourist's body found on Mount Olympus after weeks of searching by Israeli team

Yogev had been missing since September 20. The four Israeli rescuers searched mountain streambeds, navigating cliffs, waterfalls, and dense vegetation in terrain that required climbing equipment.Follow us on GoogleAmi Yogev, a 46-year-old Israeli tourist, who went missing in Greece.(photo credit: UNITED HATZALAH‏)OCTOBER 11, 2026 10:46Updated: OCTOBER 11, 2026 10:49After nearly three weeks of searching on Mount Olympus in Greece, a team from the rescue organization Haverim Mechaltzim located the body of missing Israeli Ami Yogev on Friday, following a search effort initiated after Sivan Zamir, from the Greece and the Islands website, called for help.Yogev had been missing since September 20. The four Israeli rescuers searched mountain streambeds, navigating cliffs, waterfalls, and dense vegetation in terrain that required climbing equipment and ropes.The breakthrough came when one of the rescuers spotted an Israeli passport during the search. Yogev's personal belongings were discovered nearby, and his body was subsequently found concealed by vegetation.Greek rescue teams had previously searched the same area but had been unable to locate the body because of the difficult terrain.Following the discovery, the Israeli rescuers joined Greek rescue personnel in a complex recovery operation that lasted several hours.Ami Yogev, 46, who went missing on September 22, 2026 while hiking in Greece. (credit: Screenshot/Facebook/Section 27A of the Copyright Act)Behind the rescue team was an extensive support network operated by Haverim Mechaltzim, part of the Gvanim nonprofit organization. The network included command centers in Israel and Greece, technology experts, assistance with analyzing cellular communications data, coordination with local authorities, and logistical support for the team in the field.According to the organization, 12 search and support groups were involved in the efforts to locate Yogev and provide assistance.The operation was conducted through four main groups: the family, volunteers, the rescue delegation, and the team coordinating the search.At the heart of the operation were approximately 35 people actively involved in the effort, alongside external teams and additional support personnel.The organization's core personnel contributed an estimated 740 person-hours to the operation. Each of the four rescuers who traveled to Mount Olympus spent approximately 50 hours searching before Yogev's body was located.Head of rescue group expresses shared grief with Yogev family"Unfortunately, the mission ended with devastating and painful news for the Yogev family, and we share in their grief. Our four rescuers acted with extraordinary determination and professionalism under extremely difficult terrain conditions, alongside the Greek rescue teams, who demonstrated impressive cooperation,” Yiftach Shavit, head of rescue operations at Haverim Mechaltzim, said."Behind every rescuer in the field stands an entire network of people who step forward, each contributing their own expertise, toward a single goal. That is the strength of Haverim Mechaltzim: the ability to bring together people and professional capabilities from around the world to help Israelis at the moments when they need assistance most."The organization emphasized its close cooperation with Greek rescue teams and their contribution to the operation. It also thanked all the volunteers and other parties who assisted in the search and recovery efforts.Follow us on Google