Rabbi Elazar Abuchatzeira

Rabbi Elazar Abuchatzeira, a renowned Kabbalist and prominent religious figure, was stabbed to death Thursday night in his Beersheba Yeshiva.

Magen David Adom emergency services rushed the 70-year-old  Rabbi to the Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, but he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

The circumstances surrounding the crime are still unclear, but initial reports indicate that the rabbi was stabbed in his upper body while receiving an audience in his Yeshiva. The suspect Asher Dahan from the city of Elad, was taken into custody shortly after.

Thousands flocked to the Rabbi, who is also the grandson of the famed ‘Baba Sali’, for his blessings and counsel and he regularly received guests in his Yeshiva. It appears the suspect managed to get a private audience with the Rabbi, when the attack occurred.

Funeral arrangments have not yet been announced.