The scare surrounding the disappearance of haredi singer/actor Shuli Rand has subsided, as Rand's whereabouts are reportedly "known to those who need to know."
The haredi artist, especially well-known for his performance in the award-winning film "Ushpizin", had left the hotel room where he was staying and disappeared on Thursday morning. Rand has reportedly run into serious financial difficulties over the past few years, causing him to have to leave his apartment and live in a hotel with friends helping to cover expenses.
His disappearance caused some alarm in haredi circles, with some even reporting fears for his life. These fears turned out to be unfounded, however, as statements to the media by friends and confidants of Rand made it known that he was alive and well, and trying to deal with his financial issues away from the prying eyes of the press.
"Shuli is perfectly well. Those who need to know where his is, know," friends told media, "apart from the financial issues he is taking care of some personal matters that don't need any media attention. There is no fear for his life, everything's fine, he stayed at a friend's house over Shabbat, and all is well."