An unidentified perpetrator has entered a Mariupol synagogue wielding an axe

Photo: Jewish Community of Mariupol

An unidentified individual armed with an axe attacked a security guard who blocked his entry while attempting to force his way into a Mariupol synagogue.

The Rabbi of Mariupol, Mendel Cohen, reported that the assailant made no verbal demands, simply approaching the entrance and asking, "Is this the synagogue?" He then attempted to breach the prayer hall with an axe, throwing bags containing feces, sand, and an unidentified substance at the building. Synagogue security guard Rikhard Anatolyevich Golomazov successfully disarmed the attacker, seizing the axe. An investigation has been launched to locate and apprehend the suspect.

“We demand a comprehensive, professional, and rigorous investigation into this incident. Identifying and prosecuting the perpetrator is vital not only to secure the safety of Jewish citizens in Ukraine but is also key to the broader effort of eradicating antisemitism within Ukrainian society,” stated Dr. Mikhail Mirilashvili, President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress.