Man Charged with Brutal Attack on Elderly Neighbor En Route to Prayers

Prosecutors have filed a severe indictment against Shlomi Haim, a 39-year-old resident of Afula, for a premeditated and brutal assault on his 66-year-old neighbor. The indictment details that Haim decided to attack the victim, intending to cause serious injury, disability, or disfigurement.

On August 25, around 4:30 AM, Haim, disguised with a hat and mask and armed with pepper spray and a sharp object, waited near the victim's home. As the victim left to drive to morning prayers and the "Slichot" penitential service, Haim ambushed him, sprayed him with pepper spray, and stabbed him in the shoulder and chest. The victim managed to get into his car, but Haim followed, entering the vehicle and repeatedly stabbing the victim in his limbs, hands, and attempting to stab his face. The victim feigned death to stop the attack, eventually pushing Haim out of the car. Haim then fled, leaving the bleeding victim in his car.

Haim reportedly went to a nearby bomb shelter, changed his clothes, and disposed of his blood-stained garments, the spray, and the knife in a trash can to impede the investigation. He then changed back into his original clothes and left dressed as an ultra-Orthodox man.

The victim was evacuated in serious condition to HaEmek Hospital in Afula, suffering from arterial bleeding, an exposed tendon, a broken thumb, and deep cuts to his chest, face, and arms, requiring extensive medical treatment and hospitalization.

Northern District Police investigators apprehended Haim two days later. The indictment does not specify a motive, but investigators suspect the attack may be linked to the victim's involvement in a criminal case against a rabbi convicted of sex offenses, for which the rabbi received a lengthy prison sentence. Haim has denied any involvement.