Haifa falafel shop owner injured in Saturday morning assault

Haifa police are investigating the assault of a 76-year-old shop owner who was beaten while walking to his falafel stand on Saturday morning. The incident occurred in the Wadi Nisnas neighborhood, a residential area that hosts a popular food market.

George Abu Shakara, who operates a falafel stand bearing his name, told Walla that two men, whom he estimated to be around 30 years old, approached him as he walked his usual route to work. He stated he did not know the men and did not speak to them initially. One of the men called out to him repeatedly, prompting Abu Shakara to move faster.

Abu Shakara said the two men chased him until they caught up near his business, a short distance uphill from the street where the shop is located. One of the attackers hit him twice in the head with a stick, causing him to fall. The men continued to strike him with their hands and feet while he was on the ground. He noted that they did not ask for money or other items.

Abu Shakara was treated at Rambam Health Care Campus and remained there for approximately four hours before being discharged. He returned home struggling to walk and said he has a problem with his leg. He told reporters he cannot work and that his son and daughter ran the family business on Saturday, the shop's busiest day.

Police responded to the scene about 15 minutes after the incident. Officers apprehended one suspect at the location. Abu Shakara later learned that the second suspect had also been arrested. He said he has walked the same route to work at the same time every day for years without a similar incident.

Residents of the neighborhood claim the attack was racially motivated. Haifa police disputed this characterization in a statement. The department said the assessment was based on the victim's testimony, the questioning of the suspect arrested shortly after the incident, and checks conducted with additional parties. Police confirmed the attack was not nationally motivated.

The two suspects are currently in custody. Abu Shakara said he tried to get away from the attackers and reach his business during the beating. He described the moment of the initial contact, saying one of the men said, 'Come here, come here.' He added that even after falling, the beating continued until he could move toward his shop.