A 66-year-old Israeli citizen who embarked on a solo cycling trip in Finland was found dead by the roadside on Sunday, roughly a week after contact with him was lost. According to local police, he is believed to have been struck by a passing vehicle.
The Israeli had set out on his ride alone before suddenly going missing. A search operation was launched, culminating in Finnish police announcing that his body had been located on the side of the road.
Upon receiving confirmation of his location, ZAKA’s International Division, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, immediately stepped in to assist the family and liaise with Finnish authorities. Efforts are currently focused on completing local procedures to facilitate the repatriation of his body for burial in Israel.
Chaim Weingarten, ZAKA’s Head of Operations, stated: "From the moment we received the report, we have been supporting the family and working closely with Finnish officials to handle all necessary arrangements. We will do everything possible to return the deceased to Israel for a prompt and dignified burial."
ZAKA’s International Division continues to work alongside relevant officials in Finland to finalize the required paperwork and coordinate the flight back to Israel.