Yishuv Eli resident Rabbi Achiad Ettinger HY”D was niftar during the morning hours on Monday, after being critically wounded by the terrorist in the Ariel Junction attack some 24 hours earlier.

Rav Ettinger, 47, was a well-known educator in the Dati Leumi community, serving as dean of the Oz V’Emunah hesder yeshiva in the Neve Sha’anan neighborhood of south Tel Aviv.

He is survived by his Rebbitzen and 12 children, ranging in age from 1 to 21.

In a notice to the media on his Petira, the family thanks the staff of MDA and Beilinson Hospital who treated the Rav after he was injured, as well as all of Am Yisrael for the Tefilos.

It is now reported that Rav Ettinger’s final decision was to confront the terrorist. He had passed the scene and realized that a terrorist was attempting to carry out an attack. He was already a distance from the scene but turned his car around and approached the terrorist, firing four bullets in an attempt to neutralize him, until the terrorist’s bullets critically wounded him.

The Levaya began in Eli at 2:00PM, and passed the site of the murderous attack, Ariel Junction. Kvura was at the Segulah Cemetery in Petach Tikvah.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvLg5sigjtJ/

Also killed in the attack was IDF Lt. Gal Keidan HY”D, 19, from Beersheva. His levaya took place Monday, at 11:00AM in Beersheva.

Another IDF soldier critically wounded in the attack continues fighting for his life in a Beilinson Hospital ICU.

It was announced on Monday that a beis medrash has been established at the site of the attack; Mincha will be at 5:15PM followed by Maariv at 6:15PM. Shachris on Tuesday morning at 7:30AM.

Limud Torah will take place during the day.

Upon hearing of Rav Ettinger’s petira, President Reuven Rivlin responded, “Heart-breaking news of the death of Rabbi Achiad Ettinger ז”ל who was injured in yesterday’s terrible terrorist attack that also claimed the life of First Sergeant Gal Keidan. I was able to get to the hospital yesterday to be with his family who were davening for his recovery. I embraced them on behalf of all Israelis and was overwhelmed by their strength. Rabbi Ettinger’s life’s work will continue and be amongst us even after his passing, and the strength he gave his pupils and the community he led will continue to strengthen us through the enormous grief and sorrow.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvI9E3hA3jT/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_mid=W2ECtgABAAGGVsslkUZ9q1wwrsT8

IDF troops accompanied by ISA (Israel Security Agency/Shin Bet) agents, and border police continued operating in PA (Palestinian Authority) villages in the IDF’s Ephraim district during the night as the manhunt continues for the terrorist who perpetrated the Ariel Junction attack.

The forces involved in the manhunt have already begun mapping out the home that the terrorist lived in ahead of demolishing it. Extensive searches were carried out in numerous PA villages. Simultaneously the intelligence community is working overtime to gather information towards learning of the whereabouts of the terrorist remains at large.

During the operation, eight suspects were taken into custody for their alleged involvement in acts of terror and/or violent confrontations with Israeli security forces.

It is reported that during these operations forces came under attack in the village of Jenin with two pipe bombs were hurled at them. B’chasdei Hashem there were no fatalities or injuries.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvL6VZXgTF1/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading

Professor Pierre Zinger, who is in director of the intensive care unit at Beilinson Hospital, explains the situation regarding the care for Rav Ettinger and the second wounded man who still fights for his life.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)