U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the following statement today concerning Aaron Sofer, a student from Lakewood, N.J., who went missing while on a hike with a friend outside Jerusalem.

“My thoughts are with Aaron, his family, and the entire Lakewood community as the search for this bright, devout, and loving young man continues. I’m deeply concerned about his disappearance and have been in consistent contact with the State Department and U.S. officials on the ground in Israel since this was reported. I’m praying for his safe and speedy return. I will continue to press for all possible resources to be used to help locate and return Aaron to his family.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)