A father and son heading to shul in Venezuela on Shabbos morning were abducted near the local Beis Chabad last Shabbos. There were released after a ransom was paid.

The two were heading to shul Shabbos morning, to the Beis Chabad. Armed men approached them and kidnapped them. Their disappearance was soon evident to others and later in the day it was learned that they had been abducted. The kidnappers contacted a brother and father and informed them of their ransom demands.

It is explained another son, 15, did not head to shul with his father and brother and was spared the ordeal. He and his 8-year-old sister were sent to another family until the father and his son were released. A negotiator arranged their release.

Venezuela is known for kidnapping for profit, and during recent years, Israelis are especially fearful. It is reported in many or possibly most kidnaping cases, the abductors take the victims to an ATM and compel them to withdraw a sum of money.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)