Rescue units were deployed overnight to search for three yeshiva bochurim who went missing in the Arava region, as concerns grow over their safety.

The Arava Rescue Unit launched a search operation in the Small Crater area after the three 21-year-old chareidi hikers were reported missing during the night.

According to information received by the rescue teams, the last contact with the group was made the previous evening before communication was lost. Authorities believe the three may have strayed from the marked trail. Search crews are using drones to assist in scanning the rugged terrain.

The incident comes amid a series of recent tragedies involving young yeshiva bochurim during the bein hazmanim period. Just a day earlier, a fatal drowning was reported at the Ein Akev spring in the Negev.

Yehoshua Ram, 17, a first-year bochur at Yeshivas Grodna in Be’er Yaakov and a resident of Bnei Brak, passed away after drowning during a trip with friends.

Aerial rescue personnel from the Lehava unit, led by the unit commander, were dispatched to the scene following reports of a missing individual who had fallen into the water. After his clothing was located nearby, his body was recovered several hours later.

Meanwhile, search efforts are continuing for Avraham Yeshayahu Spiegel, 17, who has been missing since a drowning incident at Tsanz Beach in Netanya this past Friday. Emergency forces have significantly intensified their efforts. His 21-year-old brother was evacuated to the hospital in serious condition.

{Matzav.com}