Story perspectives

Teen Stabs Pizza Hut Protester, Police Arrest Suspect

4/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

Police filmed a 15-year-old suspect with a blood-stained knife and arrested him after breaking into his hideout.
The suspect stabbed 21-year-old Yemanu Binyamin Zelka after Zelka asked teens to stop using party-foam at a Pizza Hut in Petah Tikva, prompting detention of nine minors and their parents and a gag order on investigation.
Hundreds protested outside the restaurant demanding tougher police action, with politicians Benny Gantz and Pnina Tamano-Shata attending.

History

Historical Context

2015 saw a sharp rise in knife attacks in Jerusalem, highlighted by the October 12 stabbing by 15-year-old Hassan Khalid Manasra and his 13-year-old cousin Ahmad, which injured two civilians. From January to April Israeli forces logged 172 assaults on Jerusalem Border Police, leading to expanded school security and patrols. The surge later spurred proposals to tighten parental liability.

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Story summary

Police filmed a 15-year-old suspect with a blood-stained knife and arrested him after breaking into his hideout.
The suspect stabbed 21-year-old Yemanu Binyamin Zelka after Zelka asked teens to stop using party-foam at a Pizza Hut in Petah Tikva, prompting detention of nine minors and their parents and a gag order on investigation.
Hundreds protested outside the restaurant demanding tougher police action, with politicians Benny Gantz and Pnina Tamano-Shata attending.

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