The 64-year-old from Toms River sent a text from Munich on Oct. 19 but has had no conact with anyone since
A 64-year-old New Jersey man on a month-long trip to Europe hasn't been heard from since going missing in Munich, German more than two weeks ago.
Joram Heilbronner planned the the trip abroad after he was invited to take part in his former employer's 25th anniversary celebration in Athens, Greece, according to the rabbi at a Howell synagogue where the Toms River resident serves as president.
"My concern is that something happened to him," said Rabbi David Amar of Congregation Ahavat Olam in Howell. "This is not a person who will fall off the grid. He's in contact constantly. He's a congregant, he's our president. I always tell him - you're not like family - you are family. He's an unbelievable person - so generous with his time and support."
The rabbi said his wife exchanged text messages with Heilbronner about synagogue business on Oct. 19, a day after the Ocean County man returned to Munich, Germany following a four-day stay in Greece for the anniversary celebration.
Heilbronner also updated the synagogue's website that day but has had no contact with anyone since, including his brother Dan in Cumming, Georgia, according to Amar.
Amar said Heilbronner checked into a Hilton near the Munch airport on Oct. 18 for a scheduled three-night stay. He was next set to embark on a trip to Switzerland using a two-week Euro Rail pass.
Heilbronner arrived in Munich on Oct. 12 and stayed there until the 15th. He then spent Oct. 15-18 in Athens before returning to Munich. He was due home on Sunday.
Amar said he has been in contact with the U.S. Consulate in Germany, the hotel and officials from Heilbronner's former company, but hasn't gotten very far. A partner at the company told the rabbi that Heilbronner injured his leg while in Athens, noting he was having a hard time walking and climbing steps. The hotel will not release surveillance footage which might show when Heilbronner departed.
The rabbi said he reported Heilbronner missing to Tom River police on Sunday, the soonest he was permitted to do so.
In addition, several hospitals in Munich were contacted but Heilbronner was not registered at any of them, Toms River police chief Mitch Little said. After the rabbi contacted police, authorities entered Heilbronner into the National Crime Information Center as a missing person. Toms River police also spoke with his brother and checked Heilbronner's home.
"Our thoughts are with him, friends and his family for a safe return," Little said.
Amar said he will continue to work until he learns what happened to his friend and is prepared to go to Munich to get answers.
"If that's what it will take, I will do it," he said, adding that he is working with Heilbronner's brother to solve the mystery. "There are many people that would be willing to go to Munich to look for him."
Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.