Police arrest two men after beating 76-year-old falafel owner in Haifa

The Wadi Nisnas neighborhood in Haifa saw a familiar routine disrupted on Saturday morning when a long-time local business owner was struck down on his way to work.

George Abu Shakara, 76, owns a falafel stand named after him in the area. He was attacked by two men in their early 30s while walking to the shop. Abu Shakara stated that he did not know the attackers and that they did not demand money or other items from him.

The victim recounted that he passed the two men without speaking. One of them called out to him, asking him to come closer. After Abu Shakara ignored the calls, both men chased him. They caught up with him near his business, located a short distance uphill from the street where the stand is situated.

According to Abu Shakara, one of the suspects hit him twice in the head with a stick. When he fell to the ground, both men continued to strike him with their hands and feet. He attempted to reach his business to escape the attackers.

Police responded to the scene and apprehended the first suspect within about 15 minutes of the incident. The second suspect was later caught as well. Abu Shakara was treated at Rambam Health Care Campus and spent approximately four hours there before being discharged home. He reported difficulty walking and a leg injury, which prevented him from working.

Neighborhood residents believe the attack was racially motivated. Haifa police are investigating the incident but have denied that motivation. In a statement, police said the attack was not nationally motivated. They cited the victim's testimony, the questioning of the arrested suspect, and checks conducted with other parties as the basis for this conclusion.

Abu Shakara noted that he has taken the same route to work at the same time for years without incident. His son and daughter stepped in to run the family business on Saturday, which is typically its busiest day of the week.