Attempted murder on the way to Selichot: Suspect disguised himself as a secular man

The incident occurred around 04:15 in the morning in the C1 neighborhood of Afula. A 66-year-old resident was walking to the synagogue for Selichot when he was subjected to a brutal attack. According to investigators, the 39-year-old suspect, an Ultra-Orthodox man, had donned secular clothing to conceal his identity and avoid recognition by the victim.

Chief Inspector Doron Gabay, an investigation officer at the Afula police station, described the details of the severe attack:

"Suddenly, a local man pounced on him with a knife, stabbing him across his body. The victim sustained wounds to his hands, chest, and shoulder. He fought for his life, and eventually, he felt the attacker was in a frenzy, so he closed his eyes and pretended to be dead to make him stop."

After the attacker fled the scene, the victim was evacuated to HaEmek Hospital in serious condition to receive urgent medical treatment.

Following the report, large police forces and forensic investigators from the Northern District were dispatched to the scene. Two days later, officers successfully located and arrested the suspect.

The investigation revealed a calculated escape plan: the suspect entered a shelter dressed as a secular person and emerged wearing Ultra-Orthodox attire. According to investigators, the motive is rooted in a past legal case involving sex offenses against minors committed by a well-known rabbi from the Afula area. The victim had been involved in the activities that led to the complaint against the rabbi, who was subsequently convicted and sentenced to prison. The suspect, a follower of that same rabbi, is believed to have acted out of a desire for revenge.

The Magistrate's Court in Nazareth has extended the suspect's remand, and the investigation into the attempted murder continues.