Rabbi Netanel Avitan, who teaches at a hesder yeshiva in Jaffa, was attacked Thursday evening while walking along Yefet Street in the city.
According to the rabbi’s account, a young man lunged at him while shouting “Allahu Akbar.” Police said an investigation has been opened and officers are searching for the suspect.
Avitan was attacked shortly before 7 p.m., according to a statement from the yeshiva. Police said officers arrived at the scene and are conducting searches to locate the assailant, adding that the circumstances of the incident are under investigation.
Magen David Adom medics evacuated Avitan to Sourasky Medical Center in Tel Aviv. He was listed in light condition and hospitalized with injuries to his face and back, the yeshiva said.
In a statement, the yeshiva called on the Tel Aviv-Jaffa police and city leaders “to act with full force to ensure the safety and security of Jewish residents of Jaffa.”