The man who led authorities to the remains of missing IDF soldiers Majdy Halabi a number of weeks ago is now stepping forward seeing the $10 million reward that was offered by the Born to Be Free organization. Ibrahim Kozli, a 26-year-old resident of Dalyat el-Carmel and a childhood friend of the missing soldier was cutting trees about a mile from the missing soldier’s home when he stumbled across the remains.

Kozli told the press that he was among the many who took part in the search for the soldier following his disappearance in 2005.

Ynet reports that the Born to Be Free Foundation has recently stopped its activities, best known for its efforts on behalf of missing IAF navigator Ron Arad, and the state has stopped funding the organization. Kozli is not planning to walk away from the reward money and has already hired a lawyer to represent him in a lawsuit.

Attorney Wajdi Ka’abiyeh added: “Our suit will not only focus on the money but the need to keep promises, especially under such circumstances, where missing soldiers are involved; otherwise people won’t believe organizations offering rewards and won’t continue searching, if they figure out it was a lie.”

Halabi went missing in 2005 after leaving his home. Despite efforts over the years his body was not found and state officials were unable to tract his whereabouts. He remained listed as “missing” by state officials. The family remained optimistic, convinced he was still alive, possibly abducted. When officials took the remains about three weeks ago to conduct DNA testing, the Halabi home remained firm in the notion their son was among the living, only to receive the bitter news a number of days ago.

Investigators are still trying to use the evidence available to piece together the events that led to the IDF soldier’s death.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)