Security guard critically wounded in February ax attack improving
By YAAKOV LAPPINScene of ax attack in Ma'ale Adumim
The condition of security guard Tzvika Cohen, who was left fighting for his life in February following a brutal attack by an ax-wielding Palestinian at a Ma’aleh Adumim mall, is improving, doctors treating him said on Tuesday.Cohen was critically wounded when the assailant, named by security forces as Sa’adi Alu Abu Hammad, 21, repeatedly hacked at him with an ax and left him for dead.On Tuesday, doctors at Hadassah University Medical Center, in Jerusalem’s Ein Kerem said Cohen’s medical situation had improved, and listed his condition as stable.“He is being treated at the neurosurgery intensive care unit, is conscious, and will soon begin rehabilitation,” said Hadar Elboim, a hospital spokeswoman.Abu Hammad, who is from the Palestinian village of Eizariya just outside of Ma’aleh Adumim, was arrested two days after the attack in a joint Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and Judea and Samaria District Police operation after a family member turned him.He had worked in the mall and because Cohen knew him did not suspect he was about to be assaulted. The Shin Bet said Abu Hammad had made statements during the initial investigation that established his involvement in the attack.