76-Year-Old Woman Attacked in Ashkelon Shares Fear and Helplessness After Assault

A 76-year-old woman from Ashkelon recounted a violent attack she suffered while resting on a street bench. The incident occurred when a man approached her, demanded money in Russian, and struck her near the ear after she said she did not understand. She fell to the ground, bleeding and injured in her hand and leg, and was hospitalized for two days. Despite the attack, passersby did not assist her, and one cyclist nearly ran her over without stopping.

The woman said she called a friend during the assault to call the police. The attacker attempted to take her phone but fled after she shouted "police." Police later arrested a suspect nearby, but she did not identify him in a lineup and was told not to worry about the arrest. Since the attack, she has been afraid to leave her home alone, especially after dark, and distrusts people around her.

Her family revealed that her husband was also violently attacked years ago in the same neighborhood, losing an eye and living with a prosthetic since. The attacker in his case was never found. The woman expressed frustration that despite the area being central and monitored by cameras, no effective evidence has helped catch the perpetrators.

Her daughter highlighted the ongoing fear and trauma the family faces due to repeated violent attacks in their neighborhood, emphasizing the vulnerability of elderly victims. The woman’s experience underscores concerns about public safety and community response in Ashkelon.

Summary: A 76-year-old woman in Ashkelon was violently attacked while resting on a street bench, leading to hospitalization and lasting fear. Despite a suspect’s arrest, she did not identify him and remains afraid to go out alone. Her husband was also previously attacked in the same area, highlighting ongoing safety issues.