About four years ago, at this time of year, I got a phone call from Alan Novins, z"l, asking me if I could come to his apartment in one of the richer neighborhoods of Jerusalem, ReHavia, near the Residence of the Prime Minister. He said that Danny Mountwitten, the only son of Bob Mountwitten, my night commander in yashá"m, the Unit of Police Volunteers that I belong to, had disappeared somewhere in India and wanted to know if I was interested in going to Bob's house to lend moral support that evening. He was going to drive to Bob's house in one of the northern neighborhoods of the city. Bob's a friend as well as a night commander, so naturally, I was interested.
When I got to Al Novins' apartment, I found loads of bookcases filled with law books, attesting to his having been a lawyer in the States, and Jewish texts, attesting to his wife's involvement in Jewish education. But what Al drew down from the the bookcase was an atlas, and we all started to look for the Parvati valley. All we knew was that it was in northern India. We found the valley and discussed over some iced tea what might have happened, and then went on to Bob's house.
Lots of Israeli soldiers who have been demobilized run off to India to get away from the pressure cooker that is Israel, and Danny Mountwitten was one swallowed up in that valley. In four years he has not been seen. The Parvati is not merely a place of lush beauty.
According to the 2005 Jerusalem Post article linked to above,
"Israelis don't know. When they come there, a lot of people think it's a very nice place," said Yochai Lelior, who is the commander of the Harel insurance company's rescue unit. "There is a feeling of shanti [tranquility]. But if you come with the eyes of someone who searches or investigates, like my eyes, it's very dangerous."
"We're talking about maybe the most rugged place in the world. It has peaks like you've never seen. And you've never seen ravines like this either," said A.P. Singh, police superintendent for the Kulu district. "The Parvati Valley has a lot of small villages and they're quite famous with Israeli tourists for various reasons - some like the climate, some like the cannabis..."
Article comments
1 - A Geek Girl
Terrible to think that there really is a monetary value assigned to one's life.
This is terrifying Ruvy. I feel so much for his family. I can't even imagine such heartbreak. I hope they raise the money they need. I hope this turns out with a happy ending. Either way, I'd like to know what happens.
2 - Ruvy
Geek Girl,
There is always a monetary value assigned to one's life - that is what life and casualty insurance is all about. We say life is priceless - but the insurance companies tend to disagree, and he who buys life insurance policies buys into their argument.
But leaving the obvious aside, AmiHai has not yet been found. We can only pray for the best. Thank you for commenting and showing an interest....
3 - Jake
I hope he's found.
4 - Ruvy
So do I, Jake. When things seem alright for us, it is events like these and the pain they bring - that makes us pray for the best.
I hope we hear good news soon.