Attorney Among Arrested for Brutal Antisemetic Attack on Israeli Men in Heart of Santana Row
Violent Antisemitic Attack at Santana Row Leads to Arrests of Three Suspects, Including Local Attorney, in Broad-Daylight Assault on Israeli-American Men
Three men have been arrested and charged in connection with the violent assault on two Israeli-American men outside a restaurant in San Jose's upscale Santana Row shopping district.
The incident, which occurred on March 8, is being investigated as a hate crime amid reports of ongoing antisemitic slurs used during the lynch-style attack.
Authorities announced the arrests of Henry Brunell Chamaki, 32, of Morgan Hill (reportedly an attorney), and brothers Roma Akoyans, 20, and Ramon Akoyans, 18, both of San Jose. The suspects surrendered without incident after arrest warrants were issued.
The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office filed felony charges of assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury against all three, with Chamaki facing an additional misdemeanor battery count. The victims, identified as Lior Zeevi, 47, and Daniel Levy, 48, were waiting for a table at Augustine, an upscale eatery, when they were approached by the suspects.
According to police reports and victim statements, the men were speaking Hebrew when the assailants overheard them.
One suspect allegedly shouted "F— Jews" before the group launched a coordinated physical attack, punching and kicking the victims.