Visually Impaired Holon Resident Brutally Attacked While Walking Guide Dog
A visually impaired Holon resident was violently attacked by a stranger while walking his guide dog after being told to clean up waste. Nearly a month later, despite security cameras and eyewitness testimony, the suspect remains at large, raising fears among the blind community.
A visually impaired resident of Holon, Kochavi Rafael Kochav, says he was violently attacked while walking his guide dog in a local park. Nearly a month after the incident, he fears the suspect has not yet been apprehended and that the police investigation will be closed.
The incident occurred on Saturday, August 15, at around 6:00 AM at Gan HaAmatzim in Holon. Kochav recounted that his guide dog relieved itself on the grass, and because he is blind, he could not pick up the waste—a service blind individuals are legally exempt from performing.
«Suddenly I feel someone pressing against me from behind. I didn't know what he had. I felt something hard touching my back. I made a frightened sound because I was startled, and he said, "Clean up the dog's feces immediately." I explained to him that I am blind, and he said I was a liar and started going wild.»
Brutal Attack and Lack of Bystander Assistance
According to Kochav, the assailant beat him across his body, threw dog feces on his face and body, and kicked him before fleeing. Although he screamed for help and asked people nearby to call the police, no one intervened. After the attacker left, bystanders told each other that police intervention was unnecessary, and no one offered him assistance. Fearing the attacker would return, Kochav called the police three times to stay on the line with him.
He filed a formal police complaint the following day. An eyewitness provided testimony and helped identify the suspect, yet despite the presence of three security cameras in the park, the suspect remains at large.
Fear and Trauma
Since the attack, Kochav struggles to return to his daily routine and fears leaving his home. He altered his walking schedules and remains hyper-vigilant.
«This time it ended with psychological damage, but it could also end in murder. To prevent the next incident, such cases must be handled severely. This person must be found because he must not be allowed to roam the streets.»
In response, the Israel Police stated: "Following a complaint filed with the Israel Police, an investigation was opened and is still ongoing. As part of the investigation, a variety of actions have been carried out, including taking testimonies and collecting digital evidence. Naturally, in light of the ongoing investigation, it is not possible to elaborate further beyond that."
