Family of Slain Pizzeria Worker Demands Justice for ‘Professional’ Ambush by Group of Eight Minors in Petah Tikva

The family of Yemanu Zelka calls for the prosecution of eight minors and their parents following a fatal Independence Day ambush in Petah Tikva.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 27, 2026, 8:05 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Times of Israel

A Calculated Ambush on the Eve of Independence

The brutal killing of Yemanu Binyamin Zelka has cast a heavy shadow over Israel’s recent Independence Day celebrations, transforming a national holiday into a period of mourning for the Petah Tikva community. Geteso Zelka, the victim's older brother, described a harrowing sequence of events where a group of teenagers allegedly waited for the 21-year-old to finish his shift before launching a coordinated attack. Security footage from the scene reportedly shows the group lying in wait outside the Pizza Hut in the Kfar Ganim neighborhood, an act the family characterizes as a professional ambush rather than a spontaneous burst of adolescent aggression.

Eight Minors Detained in Connection with the Stabbing

Law enforcement officials have moved quickly to arrest eight suspects, all of whom are minors ranging in age from 12 to 17. The investigation suggests the violence was triggered by a mundane workplace request; Zelka had reportedly asked the youths to stop spraying "snow spray" or party foam inside the establishment he managed. Following this interaction, the group left the premises only to return and intercept Zelka as he departed the building. The suspects now face a range of charges, including murder committed jointly and aggravated assault, as the legal system grapples with the extreme youth of those involved in the fatal incident.

Family Portrays a Life of Service and Dedication

During the press conference held at the site of the murder, the Zelka family shared details of a young man deeply rooted in his community and committed to his country. Yemanu, an Ethiopian-Israeli who attended the Amit Eliraz Yeshiva, was a recognized counselor in the Bnei Akiva youth movement and had recently completed his military service. His brother spoke through tears about Yemanu's role as a primary provider and emotional pillar for their mother, describing him as a "pure, innocent child" who spent five years working at the same pizzeria to support his loved ones.