Petah Tikva Mourns Yamano Benjamin Zelka After Fatal Stabbing Sparked by Independence Day Dispute

Yamano Benjamin Zelka, 21, dies after being stabbed for asking teens to stop using spray paint. Petah Tikva police hunt for the suspects in this shocking case.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 24, 2026, 4:32 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from N12

The Fatal Escalation of a Routine Workplace Request

A senseless act of violence has claimed the life of 21-year-old Yamano Benjamin Zelka, leaving the community of Petah Tikva in a state of profound shock. Zelka was working his shift at a pizzeria on Ha'atzmaut Street during the high-spirited celebrations of Independence Day eve when a group of teenagers began using pressurized foam spray, commonly known as "snow spray," inside the establishment. Witnesses report that Zelka politely requested the group to stop their behavior to maintain the cleanliness of the business. This routine request allegedly sparked a disproportionate and lethal rage among the youths, who proceeded to wait outside the shop for several hours.

A Premeditated Ambush in Kfar Ganim

The circumstances surrounding the murder suggest a chilling level of premeditation. Rather than dispersing after the initial verbal exchange, the suspects reportedly loitered near the exit of the pizzeria until late at night. When Zelka finally concluded his shift and stepped out onto the street, he was ambushed and stabbed multiple times. Emergency services transported the young man to Beilinson Hospital, where he remained in critical condition for two days. Despite the efforts of medical staff, his death was officially pronounced on the morning of April 24, 2026, transforming a holiday celebration into a period of mourning for his family and peers.

Tributes to a Gentle and Kind Character

Friends and colleagues have described Zelka as a remarkably gentle and generous individual who sought only to make an honest living. David, a close friend for the past three years, recalled how Zelka would frequently share his food and drinks with coworkers during breaks, characterized by a near-constant smile and a kind demeanor. Lior, another close companion, expressed disbelief that such a "beloved guy" who never sought conflict could meet such a violent end. The entrance to the Ha'atzmaut Street pizzeria has since been transformed into a temporary memorial, crowded with dozens of memorial candles and grieving residents.