By 5 Towns Central Staff

Harav Amos Guetta Hy”d, a renowned mekubal and longtime bal eizah, was murdered Wednesday after being stabbed during an attack inside the beis medrash where he delivered shiurim in Netanya. He was 75 years old.

According to Israeli authorities, the suspect was reportedly one of Harav Guetta’s talmidim and is believed to suffer from mental illness. Preliminary reports indicate the suspect had insisted on davening with the Rav before a confrontation escalated into the fatal stabbing. Police launched an extensive manhunt following the attack and continued collecting evidence at the scene throughout the day.

Born in Libya in 1951, Harav Guetta immigrated to Israel with his family as a child and settled in Netanya. After initially working as a postal carrier and pursuing medical studies, he devoted his life entirely to Torah learning and teaching.

He learned at Kollel Or HaTorah in Netanya under Harav Shimon Gabai and later studied in chavrusa with Harav Avraham Mordechai Yitzchaki. He eventually established his own yeshiva, named in honor of the renowned mekubal Harav Yitzchak Chai Taieb zt”l.

Over the years, Harav Guetta became widely known for his shiurim, warmth, and efforts to bring thousands of Jews closer to Torah and mitzvos. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he temporarily relocated with a group of close talmidim to Tiberias so that Torah learning could continue despite widespread closures of batei medrash.

Those close to the Rav noted that he continued to inspire countless people despite enduring profound personal tragedy, including the loss of a young son in a motor vehicle accident shortly after his bar mitzvah.

Harav Guetta is survived by two sons and two daughters. His eldest son, Harav Moshe Guetta, worked closely alongside him for many years in his Torah and outreach activities.

The investigation into the attack remains ongoing.

Besuros Tovos.