Missing Israeli found dead on side of road in Finland after disappearing during solo cycling trip

The body of a 66-year-old Israeli citizen from Tel Aviv was found on Sunday by the side of a road in Finland, about a week after contact with him was lost while he was on a solo cycling trip.

According to information received from local police, authorities believe he was struck by a passing vehicle.

A search was launched after contact with the Israeli was lost about a week ago.

On Sunday, local police reported that his body had been found by the side of the road. The exact circumstances of his death are still under investigation, but the initial assessment is that he was struck by a vehicle while cycling.

ZAKA is working with Finnish government to return body to Israel

After receiving the report, ZAKA's International Unit began working with the Foreign Ministry, the man's family, and local authorities in Finland to arrange the procedures required to release the body and transfer it to Israel.

The Israeli consul in Helsinki is also working, with assistance from ZAKA, to expedite the release of his body and its transfer to Israel. The deceased, a Tel Aviv resident, is expected to be buried in Safed.

Haim Weingarten, ZAKA's deputy director of operations, said: "From the moment we received the report, we have been accompanying the family and working with the authorities in Finland to arrange the necessary procedures. We will do everything possible to bring the deceased for burial in Israel as soon as possible and with the proper dignity."

ZAKA's International Unit said it would continue to work with the relevant authorities in Finland until the procedures are completed and the body is brought to Israel.