Israeli hiker Ami Yogev’s body recovered on Mount Olympus after extensive search

After 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. The search was launched after Sivan Zamir of the Greece and the Islands website called for assistance.

Yogev had been missing since September 20. Four Israeli rescuers scoured mountain streambeds, navigating cliffs, waterfalls, and dense vegetation, using climbing equipment and ropes.

The breakthrough came when a rescuer spotted an Israeli passport. Yogev’s personal belongings were found nearby, leading to the discovery of his body concealed in vegetation.

Greek rescue teams had previously searched the area but were unable to locate the body due to the difficult terrain.

Following the discovery, Israeli rescuers joined Greek personnel in a complex recovery operation that lasted several hours.

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.

Approximately 35 people were actively involved, 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 roughly 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,” said Yiftach Shavit, head of rescue operations at Haverim Mechaltzim.

“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 thanked all volunteers and other parties who assisted in the search and recovery efforts.

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