An Israeli Messianic believer was bludgeoned to death in early March in what some are now saying is the first modern instance of martyrdom among followers of Yeshua (Jesus) in Israeli Jewish society. That despite the fact that the killer is himself a Messianic Jew from the same local congregation.

The victim and his wife (whose names are withheld both out of sensitivity and concern for the safety of their family) were attacked while providing counseling to another couple whom they knew personally.

According to police reports, the attacker suddenly became agitated, picked up a heavy floor tile or stone, and hit both of his guests in the head.

The husband succumbed to his injuries shortly after. His wife has since recovered, but understandably bears the trauma of losing her spouse under such shocking and gruesome conditions.

To read more about the aftermath of this tragic incident, including how the victims’ Messianic faith has been highlighted in the legal proceedings against the assailant, check out Charles Gardner’s article: “The Chief Rabbi Who Followed Yeshua”