Toronto rabbi dies of wounds from Jerusalem synagogue massacre

TORONTO – A Toronto-born rabbi has died from wounds sustained in a brutal attack on a Jerusalem synagogue nearly a year ago.

Haim “Howie” Rothman was critically injured when two Palestinians attacked the Kehilat Bnei Torah synagogue in Jerusalem, Israel on Nov. 18, 2014.

The attackers, armed with axes, meat cleavers and a gun, killed four worshippers and a police officer before they were shot dead by police.

Get daily National news

Get daily Canada news delivered to your inbox so you'll never miss the day's top stories.

Sign up for daily National newsletter Get Started

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

READ MORE: Canadian doctor describes scene of Jerusalem synagogue attack

Haim, 55, sustained multiple axe blows to the head and remained in a medically induced coma for 11 months until his death Saturday evening.

He was “a happy man who never missed an opportunity to fulfill a mitzvah,” said David J. Cape, president of the Centre of Israel and Jewish Affairs.

Haim emigrated to Israel in 1985. He is survived by his wife and 10 children.