Renowned Kabbalist Rabbi Amos Guetta Murdered in Netanya Synagogue Attack

A deep shock has struck the city of Netanya following the brutal murder of the esteemed kabbalist and Torah scholar Rabbi Amos Guetta. The tragic event occurred as Rabbi Guetta was preparing for prayer and study at his synagogue in the Silodin neighborhood. The assailant, described as a perpetrator of evil, stabbed the rabbi to death in cold blood, abruptly ending the life of a revered spiritual leader.

Rabbi Guetta was born in Libya on the 19th of Adar II, 1951, and immigrated to Israel with his family, initially settling in the Shikun Sela neighborhood of Netanya. Over time, he lived in various parts of the city, ultimately residing near his famous Beit Midrash, which evolved into the Tel Telfiot yeshiva. Early in life, he worked as a postal worker while studying medicine for four years before dedicating himself fully to Torah study and spiritual pursuits.

He studied intensively at the Or HaTorah kollel in Netanya under Rabbi Shimon Gabai and spent long hours learning with Rabbi Avraham Mordechai Yitzchaki in Porat. Rabbi Guetta later founded a yeshiva named after the kabbalist Rabbi Yitzchak Chai Taieb, attracting many students who studied various aspects of Jewish law, weekly Torah portions, and ethics under his guidance.

Known for his warm personality and close relationship with Rabbi Tzion Boaron of the Great Rabbinical Court, Rabbi Guetta was a spiritual beacon who brought thousands closer to their faith. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he temporarily relocated to Tiberias with some students to continue Torah study and prayer despite lockdowns. He leaves behind a large family, including two sons and two daughters, with his eldest son Rabbi Moshe serving as his trusted assistant.

The community mourns the loss of a man who endured personal tragedy with great faith, including the death of his younger son in a car accident shortly after his bar mitzvah. The city of Netanya, the Torah world, and thousands of students are devastated by this immense loss. Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.