Despite his injuries, the guard at the Jewish house of worship in Mariupol managed to disarm the perpetrator, who then fled the scene.

(July 29, 2020 / JNS) A young man wielding an ax attacked the synagogue in Mariupol, Ukraine, on Tuesday, and fled the scene when repelled by a security guard, reported the United Jewish Community of Ukraine.

Video posted footage posted on the community’s website and Facebook page shows the unidentified man entering the synagogue and striking the guard. Though injured, the guard managed to disarm the attacker, who then fled the scene.

Outside the synagogue in Mariupol, Ukraine. (Credit: Facebook page of the United Jewish Community of Ukraine)
Before assaulting the guard, Richard Anatolievich Golomazov, the perpetrator managed to throw cans, packages, feces, sand and other substances into the synagogue.

Chief Rabbi of Mariupol Mendel Cohen, said “the security guard is a hero. I was in the synagogue at this time while they were fighting.”

Cohen said police are searching for the perpetrator.