Stabbing of Rabbi Yishai Por in Bnei Brak Kollel Highlights Tension Over Torah Study

On May 20, 2026, a 52‑year‑old rabbi was fatally stabbed inside the Chazon Ish kollel in Bnei Brak, Israel. The victim, Rabbi Yishai Por, was studying Torah with his 13‑year‑old son when the attack occurred. The assailant, 45‑year‑old Guy Achtlinger, was arrested the same day and later faced an indictment for murder.

The Chazon Ish kollel, located on HaAri Street, is a prominent center for married men who study the Talmud. It was founded by the late Rabbi Avraham Yeshayahu Karelitz, known as the Chazon Ish. Por had been a long‑time member of the kollel and was known among his peers for his ascetic lifestyle: he did not carry a mobile phone, rarely engaged in conversation outside Torah study, and often slept on a wooden bench in the women’s section when the hall was full.

According to reports published by the Kovetz Gilyonot publication and cited by the Behadrei Haredim website, the murder was preceded by a theological dispute. Por had been studying the 18th‑century philosopher Moshe Chaim Luzzatto’s book Mesillat Yesharim (Path of the Just). Achtlinger, who had been described by Por’s friends as mentally unstable, repeatedly provoked Por over issues concerning respect for sages of Israel. In the days before the stabbing, Achtlinger expressed contempt for Luzzatto, whom Por defended. Por protested loudly, but Achtlinger continued to harass him.

During the final confrontation, Por was seated near his lectern with a Hebrew Bible open in front of him. Achtlinger entered the hall, pulled out a sharp object, and stabbed Por repeatedly. Por died on the spot. Witnesses noted that the attack took place in front of Por’s son.

Police investigations concluded that Achtlinger was the sole perpetrator. The Tel Aviv magistrate’s court filed an indictment against him on Sunday, charging him with murder. The suspect is believed to be homeless and has been described as mentally disturbed. A judge recently criticized authorities for failing to carry out a court‑ordered psychiatric evaluation of Achtlinger.

The murder has had a profound impact on the kollel community. In memory of Por, members of the Chazon Ish kollel have taken it upon themselves to complete the entire Talmud and to intensify their study of Mesillat Yesharim, the very book Por had written a letter about in a failed attempt to rally his peers. The letter, which Por never got to post, urged fellow students to strengthen their study of the text as a spiritual protest against the disrespect he perceived.

Por’s family, including his wife and son, mourn the loss. Por had been living in solidarity with captives and had not slept in his own bed since the war on Simchat Torah in 2023, according to his friends.

The incident occurred on the eve of Shavuot, a Jewish holiday that commemorates the giving of the Torah. The timing has added a layer of poignancy to the tragedy, as the community was in the midst of a period of Torah study and reflection.

The case underscores the vulnerability of religious study halls in Israel’s ultra‑Orthodox communities. It also highlights the challenges of addressing mental health and security concerns in densely populated, tightly knit neighborhoods such as Bnei Brak.

The investigation remains ongoing, with prosecutors expected to present evidence at the next court hearing. The community continues to grieve while honoring Por’s legacy through increased Torah study and communal solidarity.