A man reported missing after leaving his Beit Shemesh home on Saturday afternoon was found alive on a steep cliff near Nes Harim on Sunday following an extensive overnight search.

Aharon Matityahu Berkman had been missing for several hours, raising serious concerns for his safety. United Hatzalah’s Drone Unit, All Terrain Rescue Unit, and volunteer medics joined Israel Police and the Etzion Search and Rescue Unit in reviewing security footage and plotting his likely route.

After hours of searching the hills and areas surrounding Beit Shemesh, Berkman heard rescuers calling and whistling. He shouted back and threw several personal items toward the road to attract their attention.

Volunteers from United Hatzalah and the Etzion Search and Rescue Unit spotted the objects, stopped their vehicles, and heard Berkman calling for help from the cliff below.

Following a complex rescue operation involving Israel Fire and Rescue Services, Berkman was brought to safety. United Hatzalah medical personnel treated him at the scene before transporting him to the hospital in stable condition with minor injuries.

“After analyzing the footage and the route he was believed to have taken, we deployed drones, off-road vehicles, and teams on foot,” said David Crispel of United Hatzalah’s Operations Division and Drone Unit. “His decision to shout and throw objects toward the road helped guide the teams to his location. Thanks to the close cooperation among all the agencies involved, the search ended with him being found alive and in good condition.”