Pepper Spray Attack on Rabbi in Ashdod Sparks Concern

A Hasidic rabbi residing in Ashdod was attacked with pepper spray by a person riding an electric bicycle on Friday night. The assailant sprayed the rabbi in the face at close range without any prior provocation and then fled the scene. According to reports from the "Ashdods" website, the rabbi was walking down the street when the cyclist approached him and deployed the spray. The victim suffered severe burning and breathing difficulties, leaving him shocked and needing time to recover from the sudden assault. Associates of the rabbi expressed concern, noting a recent rise in friction and harassment incidents against Haredi residents in public spaces. One acquaintance stated, "This is not a prank, and such incidents can end in disaster. If there is no decisive response, the next case could be much more severe." A complaint has been filed with the police, who have begun investigating the circumstances of the attack and collecting evidence to identify and apprehend the suspect.