Netanya residents go to war: "The rabbi was brutally murdered - don't destroy his grave"

Residents of Netanya have launched a struggle against a demolition order for a compound built near the grave of Rabbi Amos Guatta, who was murdered in the city. An urgent petition calls for the site to be legalized, claiming the compound is used for prayer and study, not commerce. The Israel Land Authority issued a demolition order for illegal construction on an area of about 1,400 square meters.

Residents of Netanya have launched a struggle against a demolition order issued by the Israel Land Authority for a compound built near the grave of Rabbi Amos Guatta, who was murdered in the city about a year ago. The urgent petition, initiated by his students and admirers, calls for the site to be legally regulated, arguing that the compound is used for prayer, Torah study, and commemorating the rabbi, and is not intended for commerce or profit. According to them, since his burial, his grave has become a pilgrimage site, with hundreds of visitors daily. The facilities erected were meant to provide shelter from sun and rain and basic conditions for worshippers. On the other hand, enforcement authorities claim this is large-scale illegal construction on about 1,400 square meters, without a permit, exceeding the cemetery boundaries and intended for public burial. The petition organizers seek to avoid damage to existing graves and request an extension for dialogue with the Israel Land Authority, Netanya Municipality, and family representatives to find a solution that allows continued prayer at the site while complying with the law. They emphasize they do not intend to break the law, but ask for compassion, proportionality, and real time for regulation.