A devastating tragedy has struck as it was confirmed that Yissachar Dov Spiegel z”l, 17, was niftar at Laniado Hospital after drowning at Sanz Beach in Netanya on Friday.

The bochur, a talmid of Yeshivas Tifrach, was the son of HaGaon HaRav Shlomo Spiegel.

He was pulled from the water on Erev Shabbos and underwent prolonged resuscitation before being transported to Laniado Hospital, where doctors fought to save his life. Sadly, he was niftar a short time later.

Meanwhile, the search for his brother, 17-year-old Avraham Yeshaya Spiegel, continues into a fifth day along the coast of Netanya, with large rescue forces intensifying efforts amid growing concern.

Authorities say calmer sea conditions are now allowing divers to expand searches into deeper waters and between rocks, where there is concern the missing bochur may be trapped.

Overnight, ZAKA teams and volunteers—including friends of the bochur—conducted extensive shoreline searches, combing long stretches of beach using flashlights and specialized equipment.

Following a joint assessment, search zones have been divided among responding units. Maritime police and fire rescue teams are focusing on the main Sanz Beach area and southward, while ZAKA’s special units have expanded operations north toward Blue Bay.

In a further escalation of efforts, specialized canine units have been deployed to assist in shoreline searches, as authorities explore every possible method to locate the missing bochur.

Dozens of rescuers are now operating simultaneously across multiple areas, utilizing drones, diving teams, and advanced technological tools both at sea and along the coastline.

Officials say improved weather conditions have significantly enhanced search capabilities, and operations are continuing nonstop in hopes of locating him as quickly as possible.

The tzibur is urged to be mispallel for Avraham Yeshaya ben Shoshana.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)