A group of yeshiva bochurim who became lost while hiking in the Golan Heights was safely rescued Tuesday after providing a crucial detail during an emergency call that allowed rescue teams to locate them.
The hikers strayed from the marked trail in the Hazuri Stream area near Nachal Govta, close to Neve Ativ, and lost their bearings. Carrying only kosher cell phones without internet or GPS capability, they contacted Israel Police's 100 emergency hotline for help.
During the call, the group mentioned they had reached "a sign that says, 'Stop, Border Ahead.'" For volunteers from the Golan Rescue Unit familiar with the region's terrain, that single observation proved essential to narrowing the search area.
Using the information from the call and other details obtained during the conversation, rescuers instructed the group to stay in place. Rescue personnel then reached the hikers by off-road vehicle and transported them to safety.
The Golan Rescue Unit advised hikers to familiarize themselves with routes beforehand, carry appropriate navigation and communication equipment, and inform others of their travel plans. Officials also recommended that anyone who becomes lost or faces an emergency should call the 100 emergency hotline and remain in place until rescue teams arrive.