Missing British tourist may be suffering from Jerusalem syndrome
Oliver McAfee, 29 was last seen on November 21 in Mitzpe Ramon, near a hiking trail.
By DANIEL K. EISENBUDA recent image of missing person Oliver McAfee.(photo credit: POLICE SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
Missing British tourist Oliver McAfee, 29, who was reported as having been missing in the Negev Desert since November, may have suffered from delusions related to Jerusalem Syndrome, a psychosis-like religious state triggered by visiting Jerusalem, The Telegraph reported on Tuesday.McAfee was last seen on November 21 in Mitzpe Ramon, near a hiking trail.According to police, Interpol was initially contacted after his bicycle and other personal belongings were found and no one claimed them.While Rosenfeld confirmed that McAfee wrote passages from the New Testament on several pieces of paper and rocks that were found, he said it remained unclear if he had a psychological disorder.“It doesn’t mean he has Jerusalem Syndrome, although he did arrive at the site after visiting the capital,” said Rosenfeld.“We’re still looking in all directions to see what happened to him.”“He might have left things behind to go off on a two- or three-week hike,” Rosenfeld continued, “but we don’t know for sure, and it’s difficult to understand what happened. I think he is probably lost.”McAfee is described as thin, with curly ginger hair down to his shoulders, a goatee and glasses.Police are requesting that anyone who has seen him or knows of his whereabouts immediately contact the Dimona police station at (08) 654-3444.
