On Thursday night, Gilad Shaar, 16, left Yeshivat Makor Chaim in Kibbutz Kfar Etzion and was heading home for Shabbos to his Shomron community of Talmon. He was traveling with Naftali Frenkel, a good friend.

At about 21:00 Gilad spoke with his father and when dad tried getting in touch with him an hour later, he did not respond. After hours of worrying and trying to reach Gilad, his father went to report him missing at 01:00. The family was hoping that Gilad forgot his key and did not wish to wake them so he went to sleep at a friend. Unfortunately, on Friday morning they learned this was not the case.

Gilad is the only son in the family, which has five daughters. Ofir, his father, is an attorney. His mother, Bat Galim, is a teacher. His friends in Talmon describe him as a quiet young man. The family says he is very helpful at home and is always pleased to do what is asked of him when he returns home.

Gilad spent a few days at his grandparents in Bnei Brak as they assisted him in studying for exams. On Thursday he went to Makor Chaim to take his test. He has yet to return.

Friends insist he is a responsible young man and distances himself from irresponsible behavior.

Names for Tehillim:

1. Yaakov Naftali ben Rachel Devorah

2. Gilad Michael ben Bat Galim

3. Eyal ben Iris Teshurah

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)