Congressmen: Missing Ocean County Man In Israel May Have Been Kidnapped

Two congressman said Tuesday they’re using ”all resources” to ensure the safe homecoming of an Ocean County man who may have been kidnapped while hiking in Israel.

Congressional and law enforcement authorities say they’re pursuing the possibility that Aaron Sofer, 23, may have been victim to an attack by Palestinian militants.

The crisis between Israelis and Palestinians has heated up recently with the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, according to The Associated Press.

Congressman Chris Smith and Sen. Robert Menendez say they have been actively involved in ensuring that both the Israeli and U.S. governments locate Sofer, who was studying in Israel until he went missing Friday.

Sofer went with a friend on a hike in the Jerusalem forest this past Friday until his friend lost sight of him at 12 noon.

A massive search was launched in conjunction with the search-and-rescue organization Ichud Hatzalah and Zaka. They were joined by thousands of volunteers, according to the congressman.

There has been no trace of him so far, leading to fears that he may have been kidnapped.

A press conference was to be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday to bring light to Sofer’s plight.