"I lost my dad": The first testimony of 4-year-old Yuval and moving footage of his rescue
"The people proved the strength of their mutual responsibility": After a night of extensive searches, Yuval was found safe and sound. A citizen who located him under a tree said: "This is a child who brought the whole country to its feet." The Police Commissioner handed his mother the phone for an emotional video call; the probability of a kidnapping incident is considered very low.
4-year-old Yuval Kogan, who went missing on Thursday while with his family at the beach in Ashkelon and was found a short while ago by a citizen traveling in the area, said: "I lost my dad and walked."
Noam Simhi, the citizen who located Yuval, said: "The boy was standing under a tree and looking at us." Yuval was found wearing the same green-and-white striped tank top he had on the day before. Simhi added: "I took a wrong turn with the horse on the way to Nitzanim beach and spotted the boy. There are miracles in the world. This is a child who brought the whole country to its feet. Our strength is in our unity."
"Mom is waiting for you"
Dina, Yuval's mother, spoke with him via video call minutes after he was found: "You have a popsicle here. Mom is waiting for you." Israel Police Commissioner Rav-Nitzav Dani Levy handed her the phone. At the same time, crowds gathered on the beach to celebrate the child's discovery.
Southern District Commander Nitzav Haim Bublil stated:
"From the initial investigation, it appears that 4-year-old Yuval walked in a direction that he thought led to his home. During the night he apparently fell asleep, and in the morning he stayed in a shaded area — which likely saved his life. Later, he heard the sound of the horses, went out towards them, and called to them — that is how he was found."
President of Israel Isaac Herzog spoke with Noam Simhi and thanked him for his resourcefulness and determination: "We were all moved by the happy news. 'Whoever saves one life, it is as if he saved an entire world.' The people of Israel have once again proven the strength of their mutual responsibility." Simhi replied: "When someone from the people of Israel is in trouble, we are the first to step up. We thank the Almighty for this miracle."
Mayor of Ashkelon Tomer Glam met with Yuval and his mother Dina: "A clear miracle to see little Yuval embraced in the arms of his mother. A huge thank you to all the security forces, volunteers, and residents of Ashkelon who mobilized in an exemplary manner and demonstrated inspiring solidarity."
Yuval was last seen at 12:50 in the Hofit beach area. His disappearance was reported by his father. The police confirmed that Yuval Kogan has been found safe and sound and thanked the public for their vigilance. The details of the incident are still being investigated, but the assessment that this was a kidnapping is very low.
