Beitar Jerusalem Owner Barak Abramov Denies Link to Violent Attacks on Japnika Stores Amid Family Feud
Barak Abramov, owner of Beitar Jerusalem football club, is currently facing allegations related to a violent dispute involving the Japnika restaurant chain he owns. The police suspect that the Musli brothers, once close associates of Abramov who helped him acquire the Bnei Yehuda football club in 2016, are behind a series of grenade attacks targeting Japnika branches. Over time, Abramov distanced himself from the Musli family and aligned with the Jarushi family, who hold franchise rights to some Japnika locations in central Israel. Authorities believe the recent explosions at Japnika outlets are linked to a conflict between the Musli and Jarushi families.
Abramov denies any involvement in the attacks. At Beitar Jerusalem’s training complex in Beit Vagan, club officials expressed confidence that the violent incidents will not affect the team’s performance in the league or European competitions. Police have not increased security at the training facility but continue routine operations based on intelligence assessments. Meanwhile, the club is buoyed by record season ticket sales, with 20,000 already sold and over 5,000 fans attending the recent open training session.
The attacks on Japnika escalated recently, with at least seven grenade attacks reported, including incidents at branches in Afula, Netanya, and Herzliya, where shots were also fired. Police have arrested six suspects, including Yossi Musli, head of a crime organization. Despite arrests, another grenade was thrown at a Japnika branch in Rosh Pina overnight. The Musli brothers, considered the most powerful crime organization outside Israel’s Arab sector, have shifted much of their operations abroad, including gambling and cryptocurrency businesses. The conflict reportedly intensified after control of illegal betting was transferred to Eran Hayya, upsetting the Jarushi family.
Abramov’s background includes humble beginnings in Givatayim, military service cut short by injury, and overcoming gambling debts through multiple jobs. He entered the food business by managing and later owning Japnika franchises, eventually acquiring the entire chain in 2015 for about 50 million shekels. He also owns other restaurant brands and entered football ownership, acquiring Beitar Jerusalem in 2022 and assuming its debts. His net worth is estimated at over one billion shekels. In 2018, he was investigated for tax offenses and money laundering but was not charged after a lengthy inquiry.
In football news, Beitar Jerusalem’s captain, Jordan Shua, is doubtful for the upcoming Toto Cup quarterfinal match due to a virus, with the medical team to decide on his participation. Other players, including Brian Carvalho and Luka Gadrani, are sidelined due to suspension and injury, while Sean Weisman and Eugene Ansah are expected to debut for the club soon.
