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Missing in Action – MIA UKSince the foundation of the State of Israel in 1948, over four hundred Israeli soldiers have been declared ‘Missing in Action'. They are generally known as the MIA. Today, only five are officially listed as missing in action, presumed to be alive. Amongst those listed as missing are: Zachary Baumel, Yehuda Katz and Zvi Feldman, who were taken captive on 11 June 1982 whilst serving in the Lebanon. Ron Arad was taken prisoner in the Lebanon on 16 October 1986 and Guy Hever disappeared on the Golan Heights on 17 August 1997. More recently, Eldad Regev and Udi Goldwasser who were taken prisoner on 12th July 06 and Gilad Schalit who was taken June 25th 06. It is believed that Hezbollah were involved in both the kidnapping of all the latter three men. Over the years there has been a steady flow of information indicating that at least some of the MIAs are still alive and are being held under Syrian/Iranian control: yet, despite both diplomatic and military efforts of successive Israeli governments, almost no progress has been made in determining the fate of these men. The issue of the MIA is one of extraordinary importance in Israel, where almost every household has a loved one serving in the armed forces. Although the United States and other countries have suffered and struggled with their own MIA problems, Israel – due to religious, historical and cultural factors – has a particular sensitivity to the issue. In Israel's military tradition, significant risks have been taken over the return of bodies. And so the issue continues to make headlines around the world.The Director MIA-UK Foundation
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