Criminal9/2/2026

Afula Resident Suspected of Attempted Murder on the Way to Selichot

A 39-year-old Afula resident was arrested on suspicion of attacking with a knife a 66-year-old man who was on his way to the synagogue for Selichot. The victim was seriously wounded, and the Nazareth Magistrate's Court extended the suspect's detention.

Key facts

•Suspect: a 39-year-old Afula resident
•Victim: a 66-year-old Afula resident
•Classification of suspicion: attempted murder
•Court: Nazareth Magistrate's Court
•Time of attack: around 04:15
•The case number and date of the decision are not specified

The Early-Morning Attack

According to police, the attack occurred at around 04:15 in Afula's C1 neighborhood. A man armed with a knife attacked the victim and wounded him in his hands, chest and shoulder. The victim pretended to be dead, after which the attacker fled, while the wounded man was evacuated in serious condition to HaEmek Hospital.

The Arrest and Investigators' Account

Northern District Police arrested the suspect two days after the attack. According to the investigators' account, the religious man dressed as a secular person so that the victim would not recognize him, and while fleeing he entered a bomb shelter, changed clothes and emerged looking Haredi.

The Suspected Motive

The investigation is examining the possibility of revenge in connection with a previous case involving sexual offenses against minors. The victim participated in actions that led to the filing of a complaint against a well-known rabbi from the Afula area; the rabbi was later convicted and sentenced to imprisonment. Police suspect that the detainee, who is among that rabbi's followers, acted out of revenge.

The Court's Decision

The Nazareth Magistrate's Court extended the detention of the 39-year-old suspect. The investigation into suspected attempted murder is ongoing. The case number, date of the judicial decision, duration of the detention extension and filing of an indictment are not specified in the source.

What this means for you

The detention extension allows police to continue the investigation while the suspect remains in custody, but does not in itself mean that he has been found guilty. The final legal determination will depend on the evidence gathered and on further decisions by the prosecution and the court; the source provides no information about the filing of an indictment.

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