Hundreds Protest in Petah Tikva Demanding Enhanced Public Safety Following Fatal Stabbing of Pizzeria Manager

Hundreds gather in Petah Tikva to demand better security and criticize Minister Ben-Gvir after the senseless killing of 21-year-old Yemanu Binyamin Zelka.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 25, 2026, 5:24 PM EDT

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

Public Grief and Outrage at Kfar Ganim

The Kfar Ganim neighborhood became the site of a somber and politically charged gathering as hundreds of residents converged on the local Pizza Hut branch. The protest served as a memorial for Yemanu Binyamin Zelka, a 21-year-old shift manager who was killed during Independence Day celebrations earlier this week. Mourners placed candles and flowers at the restaurant's entrance, transforming the scene of the violent crime into a makeshift shrine while demanding immediate government intervention to address rising street violence.

Direct Criticism of National Security Leadership

As the crowd grew, the atmosphere shifted from mourning to active protest against the current administration's handling of domestic security. Footage from the scene captured demonstrators chanting slogans specifically targeting National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, urging him to take accountability for the lack of safety in residential areas. The outcry reflects a growing perception among local residents that the government has failed to provide the necessary protection against senseless acts of violence in public spaces.

Allegations of Delayed Law Enforcement Response

National Unity MK Pnina Tamano-Shata attended the vigil and issued a sharp critique of the police investigation’s timeline. According to Tamano-Shata, the identities of the suspects were widely known throughout Petah Tikva shortly after the attack, with names and videos circulating among local youth. She questioned why it took authorities three days to make arrests when the community had already identified the perpetrators, suggesting a breakdown in the speed and efficiency of the police response.