Kabbalist Rabbi Amos Guetta Murdered in Netanya Yeshiva Knife Attack

The city of Netanya and the broader Torah community are in shock following the brutal stabbing murder of Rabbi Amos Kamos Chaim Guetta, a revered kabbalist, Hasid, and ascetic, at his yeshiva in Netanya early this morning. Rabbi Guetta, 75, was fatally stabbed inside the "Rabbi Yitzchak Chai Taib" yeshiva on Shimon Bar Yochai Street in the Neot Herzl neighborhood around 5:45 a.m. Emergency responders found him unconscious with severe stab wounds and despite prolonged resuscitation efforts, he was pronounced dead at Laniado Hospital. Police launched a manhunt for the suspect, reportedly a close disciple of the rabbi with mental health issues, who arrived to pray and fatally stabbed him following a dispute.

Born in Libya in 1951, Rabbi Guetta immigrated to Israel and lived in various neighborhoods in Netanya before settling near his yeshiva. Initially working as a postal worker and studying medicine for four years, he later devoted himself fully to Torah study and teaching. He was known for his lifelong dedication to outreach and saving souls, running a yeshiva that served as a spiritual refuge for hundreds of youth, including those from troubled backgrounds, dropouts, and even individuals with criminal histories. His yeshiva was open 24/7, offering food, shelter, and guidance to those in need.

Rabbi Guetta was deeply connected to the Libyan Jewish heritage, serving as a spiritual authority for the community in Israel and worldwide. He preserved ancient customs and traditions, including reciting the Ten Commandments in Judeo-Arabic, and was renowned for his piety, asceticism, and extensive prayers and kabbalistic practices. Despite a severe illness in Tishrei 5784, he miraculously recovered and returned to teaching before his tragic death.

His passing has elicited profound grief and mourning. The Shas movement issued a statement lamenting the loss of a great spiritual shepherd, while Netanya Mayor Avi Salama described Rabbi Guetta as a "great light and pillar of Torah and kindness" who guided tens of thousands. Rabbi Guetta is survived by his wife, children, and thousands of students who now mourn the loss of their spiritual father and mentor.