Friend of Murdered Teen Benyahu Rezi Reveals Harassment by Suspect From Jail

Metanya, who witnessed the fatal stabbing of his close friend Benyahu Rezi in Jerusalem's Nahalat neighborhood last July, gave an exclusive interview revealing ongoing harassment from one of the suspects, Agam Tzarfati. Tzarfati, Rezi's ex-partner and accused of planning the murder, continues to threaten Metanya through phone calls from jail. Metanya described the violent attack as a sudden, roughly ten-minute event, recalling that emergency responders arrived while Rezi was still alive but barely conscious. Initially detained as a suspect himself, Metanya learned of Rezi's death by overhearing police officers outside the detention center.

Metanya criticized the police for inadequate handling of the harassment complaints, noting that despite reporting numerous silent calls from Tzarfati, authorities failed to stop them. He also condemned the behavior of Tzarfati and co-defendant Shilat Huta during court hearings, where they were seen laughing despite the gravity of the charges. Metanya firmly denied claims by the suspects' lawyers that the victims had been violent towards the women, stating there was no evidence of any abuse.

Rezi's mother, Dikla Rezi, described Metanya as like family since the tragedy, emphasizing the trauma he endured witnessing the murder at just 18 years old. She urged youth to seek adult help in times of distress to prevent similar tragedies. Metanya also recalled a chilling conversation with Rezi about youth violence prior to the murder, expressing concern that leniency might be shown to the young perpetrators involved. The family remains devastated but holds onto faith as they cope with their loss.