In Whistler, Canada, 65-year-old Israeli citizen Ilya Rachitsky has been missing since Tuesday, launching a search and rescue effort nearly a week ago.
The family and local authorities in Canada have launched a search after Rachitsky, a resident of Ofakim, left for a hike on a marked trail on a suspension bridge over the Cheakamus River. His return flight to Israel had been canceled due to Israel’s 12-day war with Iran, extending his stay in Canada.
His family told local authorities that he left around 5 pm local time on Tuesday for a hike toward Whistler’s MacLaurin’s Crossing, on a path he had taken many times during the day.
By the same evening, his clothes and personal belongings were found by a rest stop on the riverbank. Local authorities have raised concerns over the undercurrent of the body of water though the water on the surface appears to be calm, according to local reports. Witnesses said they saw a man matching his description being swept away in the water, unable to respond to them.
Rachitsky’s wife remains in Canada, having postponed her flight to return to Israel to continue the search, Ynet reported on Sunday.
Community search effort has been launched
A community search effort, coordinated with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), has been launched. The Israeli Embassy in Canada is also working with the local Jewish Federation, as well as emergency rescue NGO Friends Rescuers have contributed to efforts.
A missing person’s case has been filed in Israel, according to a local report.
On Saturday, his wife Irina posted on Facebook thanking volunteers in the search effort, adding that she was moved by the efforts.