The Israel Dog Unit (IDU) carried out four successful search-and-rescue missions this week, three of which took place in the Meron region.

The area of northern Israel between Hazor Haglilit, Tzfat, and Meron has been dubbed 'Israel's Bermuda Triangle' due to the high number of missing persons reported in the region.

One of the cases involved a 16-year-old yeshiva student from Jerusalem, who was found at the Tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai in Meron after being missing for more than 24 hours. Initial search efforts had focused on rugged terrain near the student’s yeshiva in Ramot Aleph, due to its proximity to the point of last contact. The IDU deployed drones and foot teams to scour the area before receiving a crucial tip that redirected the search to Meron.

Two additional teens, each reported missing in separate incidents, were also located yesterday. In both cases, the turning point came after the IDU’s rapid online distribution of the missing persons’ photos. The wide reach of social media led to critical information that enabled police and IDU teams to narrow their focus and find the teens quickly.

During one search, an IDU volunteer had a close brush with death when he was nearly ambushed by a pack of wild animals. The animals approached him stealthily from behind while he was navigating dense brush. He managed to avert the attack by hurling his flashlight at the leader of the pack, scaring them off.

“This kind of close call is not uncommon for our volunteers,” said an IDU spokesperson. “Our teams regularly face hazardous conditions, from wild terrain to proximity with the border fence.”