A mentally disturbed man who threatened rabbonim in Holon tried to actualize his threat on Monday, 25 Sivan. He tried to harm Rabbi Yosef Shashua, a neighborhood rav in Holon and a principal of a local school.

The would-be assailant arrived at the school but did not find the rav, finding his son instead. He began to engage him, confronting him and then attacking him with a knife. B’chasdei Hashem he was only scratched, spared from serious injuries despite the fact a knife was held to his throat. The attacker fled the scene. Police are continuing the search for him.

Other rabbonim under threat from the same individual include but not limited to Rosh Yeshivat HaMekubalim Nahar Shalom Rabbi Binayahu Shmueli. The yeshiva is located in the Nachlaot area of Yerushalayim. Also threatened are Rabbi Chaim Rebi, Rabbi Eliyahu Shmueli and Rabbi Yosef Shashua.

The suspect’s ex-wife explained to police that he spoke of harming the rabbis before they split, adding her former husband believes the rabbis are from the
“seed of Amalek”.

It is reported Rabbi Binayahu is planned to take part in an event in Bat Yam on Tuesday night 26 Sivan, which would place him closer to Holon. Some of his talmidim explain they have established around-the-clock protection for the rav.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)