Mystical Clues? Strange Details in Bar Ilan Lecturer's Terror Plot

An indictment against a Bar Ilan University mathematics lecturer, who allegedly planned a series of attacks against Arab citizens of Israel, reveals chilling details beyond the sheer scale of his alleged plot. The lecturer, whose name is currently withheld from publication, reportedly planned to murder between 600 and 700 people, target women and children, and recruit collaborators within the IDF and security forces. His plan, which he allegedly developed over three years, was described as aiming to create a "7/7" event for the Arab public. Amidst these horrific numbers, the indictment also contains seemingly aesthetic or even mystical elements, though the article stresses these are purely speculative without direct information on the lecturer's motives.

If the lecturer harbored messianic motivations, certain numbers in his plan raise questions. According to the indictment, he intended to recruit 71 individuals, divided into 12 cells of six people each. The number six holds significance in Judaism, relating to the six points of the Star of David, the six days of creation, and the six directions representing earthly completeness. The number 12 is also seen as significant, potentially referencing the 12 tribes of Israel, the 12 months of the year, or the 12 zodiac signs, all suggesting cosmic completeness.

Most notably, the number 72, a product of 6 and 12, is highlighted. This number is associated with the 72 nations or spiritual forces said to contend with Israel, and it also corresponds to one of God's names (the Name of 72 letters). This name is linked to the splitting of the Red Sea in Jewish tradition. The article cites three verses from Exodus describing the Red Sea's parting, which collectively contain 72 letters. These letters, arranged symmetrically, form 72 columns of three letters each, used to construct the divine name.

Rabbi Loew of Prague (Maharal) and Rabbi Chaim Vital, a student of the Arizal, are cited as sources connecting the 72-letter name to Moses splitting the Red Sea and even to an angel's role in killing Egyptians. A Midrash from Genesis Rabbah also mentions God's promise to Abraham involving 72 letters, relating to the redemption of his descendants. The article reiterates that without knowing the lecturer's personal motivations, these connections are speculative. However, if his motives were indeed messianic and he was a mathematics lecturer, the author suggests he might have sought to ground his criminal plan in a theological-mystical foundation.