Haifa falafel shop owner assaulted by two men on commute

George Abu Shakara, 76, was beaten by two men on Saturday morning as he walked to his falafel stand in the Wadi Nisnas neighborhood of Haifa. The owner of the eponymous eatery was struck with a stick and then with hands and feet after the attackers chased him down a short uphill section near his shop.

Abu Shakara stated that he encountered the two men, whom he estimated to be around 30 years old, at his usual departure time. He said he ignored their initial calls, prompting them to run after him. They caught up with him near his business and began the assault. He noted that the men did not ask for money or demand anything else during the attack.

Abu Shakara told Walla that one suspect hit him twice in the head with a stick, causing him to fall. The attackers continued to beat him while he was on the ground. He said he tried to reach his business but was unable to escape. He has traveled the same route at the same time for years without incident.

Haifa police responded to the scene and apprehended one suspect within approximately 15 minutes. The second suspect was also arrested. In a statement, police denied that the attack was racially motivated. They cited the victim's testimony, the questioning of the first suspect, and additional checks as the basis for this determination. However, residents of the neighborhood claim the assault was racially motivated.

Abu Shakara was treated at Rambam Health Care Campus for about four hours before being discharged. He reported difficulty walking and a leg injury that prevented him from working on Saturday, the busiest day for his business. His son and daughter took over operations for the day.

The police investigation is ongoing. Abu Shakara emphasized that he did not know either attacker. He described the physical toll of the beating, noting that he could not quantify how many times he was hit.