After 27 Years Missing, Israeli Found in Russia Thanks to Community Rabbi

Nearly three decades after all contact was lost, an Israeli man from Ofakim has been reunited with his family—thanks to the persistence of the Jewish community of Samara and its Chief Rabbi and Chabad emissary, Rabbi Shlomo Deitch.

The story began in 1996, when Slava Kagan traveled from Israel to Samara, Russia, to care for his ailing father. Shortly after his arrival, all communication with his family ceased. Despite years of searches—through police inquiries, media appeals, and television programs—no trace of him was found. His wife and three young daughters never stopped hoping, even as the years passed.

For a long time, the only information available suggested he had planned to return to Israel, but somewhere along the way he lost his passport and his ability to communicate. Efforts by the family to locate him through the local Jewish community brought no results.

Recently, his daughter Linoy came across a post on social media describing a homeless man in Russia who claimed to be Israeli and named Slava. After verifying additional details, she realized it could be her father. She immediately reached out to the Samara Jewish community, and Rabbi Deitch began searching. He soon confirmed Slava’s identity and made initial contact.

It was discovered that Slava had been living on the streets for many years, following what appeared to be a severe financial and emotional collapse. Without documents, he was unable to leave Russia or reach out for help.

With the rabbi’s assistance and after completing the necessary formalities, Slava was recently flown back to Israel. At the airport, he met his daughters for the first time since they were small children—some now married with children of their own.

According to the family, they had always felt that he was alive, but were unable to locate him. They emphasized that his disappearance was the result of personal crisis, not a voluntary choice to sever ties. Rabbi Deitch reported that Slava’s physical health is relatively stable, though he will require emotional support and a lengthy rehabilitation process. The family is preparing to help him rebuild his life.

They expressed deep gratitude to all who assisted over the years, and especially to the Samara Jewish community and Rabbi Deitch for their extraordinary care and involvement, which made this emotional reunion possible.