San Jose Police Investigate Violent Assault on Hebrew-Speaking Israelis as Possible Hate Crime

San Jose authorities are investigating an assault on Hebrew-speaking Israelis at Santana Row as a possible hate crime following reports of antisemitic slurs.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 11, 2026, 10:12 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from the Jewish Telegraphic Agency

Unprovoked Attack at Santana Row

The San Jose Police Department has launched a hate crime investigation following a violent encounter in the Santana Row district. According to victim statements and footage obtained by local media, three men physically assaulted a group of Israelis who were speaking Hebrew at an outdoor cafe. One victim recalled an assailant using a religious slur during the punching. Witnesses at the scene reported that the attackers appeared to act without prior interaction or provocation before fleeing the area on foot.

Witness Accounts and Ongoing Investigation

Multiple bystanders observed the assault, including a retail worker who reported hearing one of the suspects speaking Farsi. The incident was captured on video, showing the suspects punching an older man before running along the thoroughfare. While the footage does not show the moments immediately preceding the violence, police are reviewing surveillance from neighboring businesses to identify the three suspects. As of March 11, no arrests have been announced, but local officials have emphasized that the investigation remains a high priority.

Community and Political Response

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan condemned the attack, stating that antisemitism and hatred have no place in the city. Jewish Silicon Valley, a regional nonprofit, is coordinating with the San Jose Police Department and the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s office to ensure a comprehensive response. The organization noted that the victims are connected to the Chabad of Almaden community and that the Israeli consulate has been briefed on the situation.