Crime Family Feud Sparks Attacks on Israeli Cafes, Driving Customers Away

A wave of violent attacks targeting branches of the Israeli cafe chain Japnika has escalated across multiple cities, raising fears among customers and law enforcement alike. The incidents, including shootings, grenade throws, and arson attempts, have hit locations from Givatayim and Kiryat Ono to Ramat Gan, Netanya, Afula, and Herzliya. Police investigations indicate these are not isolated events but part of a broader conflict between two crime families, the Musli and the Jarushi clans. Several Japnika franchises are reportedly operated by franchisees linked to the Jarushi family, making them targets in an ongoing economic and symbolic struggle between the rival groups.

Barak Abramov, owner of the Japnika chain, is frequently mentioned in police discussions, though he is not a suspect or under investigation. His past associations with figures from both crime families have seemingly drawn the business into the feud. Abramov was previously arrested in 2018 on tax and money laundering suspicions, but charges were dropped in 2021. In June 2023, he was violently robbed at his home by armed assailants.

The violence has extended beyond the cafes, with grenade attacks and shootings directed at homes and businesses linked to both crime factions in cities including Shoham, Rishon Lezion, and Tel Aviv. Police are also investigating incidents of mistaken targeting.

Amid this turmoil, regular customers express growing fear. Shiran Levy, a 20-year-old student near Tel Aviv University, said she stopped visiting Japnika due to safety concerns, fearing she might be caught in future attacks. Others, like a Herzliya barber who frequents the local branch, report a changed atmosphere and worry for employees’ safety. Some customers advocate temporarily closing affected cafes to protect staff and patrons until the violence subsides.

Despite the cafes continuing operations, the conflict between the Musli and Jarushi crime families has clearly impacted Japnika’s reputation and customer base. Many now avoid the chain, not because of food or service quality, but due to the risk of being caught in violent incidents linked to organized crime disputes.