Rabbi Yishai Por, 53, from Bnei Brak, was stabbed to death inside the Chazon Ish kollel (a religious studies center) on HaAri Street while studying with his 13-year-old son on Wednesday.
Security footage reportedly showed the suspect fleeing down the stairs immediately after the attack. Israel Police said the incident appeared to be criminal in nature and that it is investigating a prior dispute between the two.
Investigators said the suspect fled immediately following the attack, triggering a large-scale manhunt.
The initial report reached the police dispatch center in the afternoon, reporting a man stabbed at the yeshiva complex. Officers arrived at the scene, collected evidence, took witness statements, and began investigating the circumstances.
Magen David Adom teams provided initial medical treatment on site and evacuated Por to Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer while he was unconscious and suffering from a penetrating back wound. He was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Suspect fled scene as police launched investigation
Sources familiar with the investigation said the stabbing took place in front of Por’s son, who was studying with him inside the kollel.
Police were investigating a prior dispute between the suspect and victim, reportedly related to a disagreement over Torah study.
Por had not filed any complaint against the suspect in the days leading up to the attack.
Police also said the suspect was a street drifter with a history of mental health issues who, according to testimonies, had recently been staying in the kollel complex.
Police continued searching for the suspect into Wednesday evening and said the investigation remained ongoing.