Bnei Brak Yungerman Beaten and Pepper-Sprayed by Gang of Youths Fears They Will Return for Revenge
[Video below.] A Bnei Brak yungerman who was brutally assaulted by a group of teenagers inside a shoe store where he works says he is now living in fear that his attackers will return to retaliate against him for filing a police complaint. The disturbing incident, captured on security cameras and widely circulated on social media, has sparked outrage throughout the chareidi city and renewed demands for police action against violent youths.
Speaking on Monday, the avreich described the anxiety that has gripped him since the attack, saying that he is particularly concerned that the police investigation will go nowhere and that the perpetrators will feel emboldened to target him again.
“I’m afraid. I’m afraid the investigation will fizzle out and they’ll come to take revenge on me for filing the complaint,” he said. “How have we reached a situation where I’m the victim, but instead of them being afraid, I’m the one afraid they’ll come back and once again treat me with such brutal violence?”
The victim, who required medical treatment following the assault, said he is still struggling to comprehend how an ordinary day at work turned into a terrifying ordeal. He described himself as a quiet avreich who has never been involved in confrontations or physical altercations.
“I’m a normal person. I’ve never gotten into trouble, I’ve never been beaten up. I’m a quiet avreich who doesn’t stand out, and then one fine day I suddenly find myself in a situation where people enter my workplace, a place where I’m supposed to feel safe, spray me with pepper spray, and beat me brutally.”
According to sources, the attack took place last Thursday when a teenager approximately 16 years old entered the shoe store and asked the employee to assist him in trying on shoes.
Witnesses said the encounter subsequently took a threatening turn when the teenager allegedly attempted to extort the avreich and threatened to file a false police complaint against him. The employee refused to give in to the demands, after which the teenager left the store.
Several minutes later, however, the teenager allegedly returned with five other youths. The group stormed into the business and attacked the avreich, striking him repeatedly and spraying him with pepper spray. The assailants caused a disturbance inside the store before fleeing.
Security camera footage showing the violent confrontation was released Monday and quickly spread across social media, prompting widespread condemnation. Residents expressed particular alarm that an avreich could be subjected to such an assault in broad daylight while simply carrying out his work.
The incident has intensified criticism of what residents describe as an increasingly serious problem involving troubled and violent youths in Bnei Brak. Many have accused authorities of failing to respond adequately to repeated incidents of harassment and violence, leaving ordinary residents concerned about their personal safety.
The victim said he hopes the police will treat the attack with the seriousness it deserves and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
“I hope the police will handle this case severely, so they won’t dare do it again to anyone else,” he said.
The latest assault follows another serious incident last month on Rechov HaAdmor MiGur in Bnei Brak, where three avreichim were attacked. One of the victims sustained moderate injuries after a troubled youth allegedly struck him in the head with a paving stone.
The repeated incidents have prompted calls for a stronger police presence and more decisive enforcement against those responsible for violence in the city, particularly amid concerns that attackers may feel they can act without facing meaningful consequences.
Israel Police confirmed that a formal complaint had been filed and that investigators are working to identify the individuals involved.
