Family Asks for Prayers and Community Support for Jewish Hiker Missing in India
by Tzali Reicher – chabad.org
The family of Sam Vengrinovich is asking for the support of the global Jewish community after the Israeli-American went missing last week in India.
Vengrinovich, an experienced traveler and hiker based in Israel, was on his way towards the Triund Ridge in the Himachal Pradesh region of the Himalayas on Friday, June 6, when his family lost contact with him.
Fellow hikers said Vengrinovich left his campsite on June 6, leaving behind his cell phone and personal belongings before heading toward a particularly dangerous section of the trail. When deteriorating weather conditions moved in and he failed to return to base camp or make contact with family and friends, emergency services and the Israeli Embassy were quickly notified, and rescue efforts began.
“Time is of the essence,” Chaya Fuss, co-director of Chabad-Lubavitch of Fremont Jewish Center in California,.a close friend of the Vengrinovich family. “We’re deeply concerned that Sam is stranded and in urgent need of rescue.”
‘Naturally drawn to Judaism’
The Vengrinovich family’s connection to Chabad runs deep, stretching back to their earliest days in America. After emigrating from the Soviet Union and settling in California’s Bay Area, Vlad and Tina Vengrinovich quickly became pillars of the local Jewish community.
“They’re such a genuinely warm and sweet family,” reflects Fuss, who has watched the family grow over the years. “From the moment they walked through our doors, they loved coming to Shabbat services, attending Torah classes and participating in our community events. They really are so proud to be Jewish.”
While Vlad and Tina have since retired to Florida, where they’ve become active members of Chabad of Palm Coast, their children have continued to deepen their Jewish connections. Their daughter Natasha has maintained her close friendship with the Fuss family while becoming involved in the Jewish community of San Francisco, while Sam has built his life in Israel.
“We’ve known each other for so many years, and Natasha has been like family to us for as long as I can remember,” says Fuss. “The whole family is just naturally drawn to Judaism. They don’t just participate, they encourage others as well, always helping people connect with their Jewish heritage.”
‘We’re praying for a miracle’
Vengrinovich, described by those who know him as a deeply spiritual person with an adventurous soul, supports himself through music and contract work while exploring the world around him. His current trip to the Himalayas was intended to be the capstone of his four-month trip to India before returning home.
Since his disappearance, a comprehensive search-and-rescue operation has mobilized both local authorities and international resources. The Israeli Embassy was immediately notified, and an experienced Israeli rescue team has joined local emergency services on the ground. Private exfiltration companies are now combing through glacial terrain with helicopters, leaving no stone unturned.
However, such extensive rescue efforts come with staggering costs. The family has engaged a private team at $20,000 per day. They’ve brought in an Israeli delegation for four days at a cost of $40,000, while helicopter crews charge $3,500 per hour, with flight costs already totaling $20,000. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support the family’s efforts during this trying time.
“Anything people can contribute would be amazing and would go a long way toward saving a life,” emphasizes Fuss. “But beyond financial support, we’re asking the entire Jewish community to pray for Sam—Shmuel ben Tina—to learn Torah, and to perform mitzvot in the merit of his safe rescue.”
“The third Rebbe of Chabad taught us ‘Tracht gut vet zein gut’—‘Think good, and it will be good,’ ” says Fuss. “We’re praying for a miracle, and we believe with complete faith that Sam will be found safe and sound.”
To contribute to search and rescue efforts, click here.
