U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) released the following statement today about the death of Aharon Sofer, a Yeshiva student from Lakewood who went missing Friday on a hike with a friend outside Jerusalem.

“I was deeply saddened to learn of Aharon Sofer’s passing. Since Aharon was reported missing, hundreds joined in an around-the-clock search with the hope of finding Aharon and returning him safely to his loving family. The tragic loss of this bright, devout, young New Jerseyan weighs heavily upon us all, but on no one more than his family and friends in Lakewood. My condolences and prayers are with Aaron’s family and the entire Lakewood community.

“I would like to express my gratitude to the Israeli National Police for their tireless efforts to locate Aharon under these challenging circumstances. Their professionalism and compassion are to be commended. Like the search, I hope and expect that the investigation will proceed with exceptional rigor and I stand ready to help the Sofer family in any way I can.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)