From the moment four-year-old Yuval Kogan was reported missing near Ashkelon, United Hatzalah volunteers joined the urgent effort to bring him home.

The organization immediately deployed its specialized Drone Unit, which established a mobile command center and launched advanced drones to scan the surrounding nature reserve and difficult terrain. United Hatzalah volunteers also searched on foot and in off-road vehicles, working throughout the night alongside the Israel Police and other search and rescue teams.

Using live mapping technology, the Drone Unit tracked the areas that were searched and helped direct teams toward locations that still required attention.

For 24 hours, Yuval was alone in the summer heat. Then came the news everyone had been waiting for. Yuval was found alive and in good health. He was located approximately 3.8 kilometers from the place where he disappeared.

Coming one day after Tisha B’Av, the outcome carried added meaning. After a day of mourning, the country was given a moment of gratitude, relief, and hope.

The dedication of United Hatzalah’s Drone Unit and volunteers formed an important part of the wider search effort. Their determination, together with the work of the police and search and rescue personnel, continued until Yuval was safely found.

After 24 hours alone, Yuval was returned to his family, where he belongs.