British tourist missing in Israel may have Jerusalem syndrome

Authorities say Oliver McAfee, 29, may have condition which leads those affected to believe they are biblical figures

Harriet Sherwood Religion correspondent
Tue 16 Jan 2018 15.12 GMT

Israeli authorities are searching for a British man who is missing in the Negev desert amid fears that he could be suffering from Jerusalem syndrome, a psychiatric condition whose sufferers believe they are prophets or other biblical figures.

Oliver McAfee, 29, a devout Christian, was last seen on 21 November while cycling near the southern Israeli town of Mitzpe Ramon. Hikers found his wallet, keys and computer tablet earlier this month, and other possessions, including his bicycle, bags and shoes, were found separately.

Israeli police search teams using drones and dogs have also discovered pages torn from the bible and weighed down with rocks, and handwritten notes including Bible quotations, according to the Daily Telegraph. They also found what they described as a “chapel” – a flattened area of sand within a circle of stones.

“Ollie and his passport have not been located, despite an extensive search by Israeli authorities and search and rescue teams,” reported a Facebook page set up by friends. “We know that he has not left Israel as his passport has not crossed a border.”

-snip-