Rav Amos Guetta, a well-known rav and mekubal in Netanya, was murdered early Wednesday morning after an assailant entered his bais medrash and stabbed him multiple times. Large numbers of police officers and emergency personnel rushed to the scene as the victim was transported to the hospital in critical condition, where he was later pronounced dead.

The attack occurred on Rechov Shimon Bar Yochai in Netanya. Authorities have launched a homicide investigation and are searching for the suspect, whose identity and motive have not yet been disclosed.

Magen David Adom received the initial emergency call at approximately 5:45 a.m. reporting a man who had suffered serious stab wounds.

MDA paramedics and EMTs arrived at the scene and found Rav Guetta suffering from multiple penetrating injuries. While performing prolonged resuscitation efforts, they transported him to Laniado Hospital in critical condition. Despite the doctors’ efforts, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital.

Senior MDA motorcycle unit EMT Maor Brantz and MDA EMT Yonatan Yankelevitz described the harrowing scene.

“We found the victim unconscious, without a pulse and not breathing, suffering from severe penetrating injuries to his body. We immediately began lifesaving medical treatment, including prolonged resuscitation efforts, and evacuated him to the hospital in critical condition while fighting to save his life.”

Police remained at the scene throughout the morning, collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses as the investigation into the shocking murder continued.

According to a report by Israel’s Kan 11, the suspect was known to the rav’s circle. The report said the suspect, who is believed to suffer from mental illness, demanded to daven together with Rav Guetta inside the beis medrash. An argument reportedly broke out, during which the suspect suddenly rushed toward the rav and stabbed him four times.

The suspect was already known to police, according to the report.

Netanya Mayor Avi Salama paid tribute to Rav Guetta, describing him as “a holy mekubal, an outstanding talmid chacham, a great light, and a pillar of Torah and chessed in our city.”

“For many years,” the mayor said, “he illuminated the lives of tens of thousands of residents, brought people closer together, strengthened countless souls, and served as an address for guidance, blessings, and salvation for families in Israel and around the world.”

{Matzav.com}