Israeli-American Hiker Rescued After 9 Days in India

Samuel Vengrinovich, a 44-year-old Israeli-American hiker, was found alive after being missing for nine days following his separation from a trekking group on June 6 in the Himalayas near Dharamsala, India. He sustained a leg injury and survived by eating bugs, grass, and forest fruits until local residents heard his calls for help and rescued him from the Chattri forest area. The search involved Indian police, disaster response teams, and local trekkers. Vengrinovich was hospitalized at Tanda Medical College with serious injuries. His family described his survival as a 'HUGE miracle' and continues to raise funds for his medical care and repatriation, with over $65,000 raised so far. The Israeli Embassy in Delhi was informed of his rescue.