A security guard is being hailed as a hero after disarming a man with an ax who attempted to storm into a synagogue in southwestern Ukraine on Tuesday.
According to Jewish News of the United Jewish Community of Ukraine, the incident occurred in the city of Mariupol during morning prayers and was captured on surveillance footage.
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The local Jewish outlet said that Rabbi Menachem Mendel Cohen and several worshipers were inside the synagogue when the attempted attack occurred.
Police said that the security guard managed to chase the suspected attacker away from the complex following a brief tussle, with the two exchanging blows.
The suspect returned shortly thereafter and hurled a sack at the building, reportedly containing feces, sand, and other materials before walking off again, according to the local Jewish outlet.
Police said that they have opened an investigation into the incident and are searching for suspects.
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Rabbi Cohen, who witnessed the attack, thanked the security guard, named as Richard Anatolyevich Golomazov, for his bravery.
"This was an anti-Semitic attack," Israeli Ambassador to Ukraine Joel Lion later told Kan 11 News.
This article was originally published by i24NEWS
