Rabbi Achiad Ettinger, H”YD, a 47-year-old father of 12 who was critically injured in a terrorist attack near Ariel on Sunday, succumbed to his wounds on Monday morning and was laid to rest.

The Ettinger family announced “the passing of the blessed Rabbi Achiad Ettinger, who fell with the grace of God at the hands of a lowly murderer during a terror attack in which he revealed daring mental strength and courage while shooting at the loathsome terrorist.”

A resident of the town of Eli in Samaria, Ettinger is being heralded as a hero by his family for firing at the terrorist even after being severely injured. He is survived by his wife and children, ages 1 to 20.

“Your father was a hero in his life and a hero in his death,” Israeli Education Minister Naftali Bennett said during a eulogy at Ettinger’s funeral. “In his death, he didn’t do what most people would have in that situation. He didn’t run away, but strove to confront the terrorist. He fired bullets at the murderer and paid for it with his life.”

Ettinger was shot in the head and neck by 19-year-old Omar Abu Laila while driving his car at the Gitai junction on Sunday, just moments after Abu Laila stabbed 19-year-old Israel Defense Forces’ soldier Gal Keidan of Beersheva and stole his gun.

Ettinger’s organs will be donated to those in need. Abu Laila was apprehended and neutralized on Tuesday.

By JNS.org