Beitar Jerusalem Owner Barak Abramov Denies Crime Links Amid Stun Grenade Attacks

Barak Abramov, owner of Beitar Jerusalem football club and the Jafnika restaurant chain, gave his first detailed public response regarding recent stun grenade attacks on his business outlets and allegations linking him to criminal families. In an interview on July 26 with Chaim Etgar on Channel 12, Abramov said he chose this platform to avoid accusations of receiving a soft interview and emphasized his full cooperation with police, noting that nine branches were targeted but remain safe with police presence outside.

Abramov expressed confusion over the attacks, stating, "Why did this happen? I have no clear answer," and declined to speculate publicly. He firmly denied any criminal connections, specifically rejecting ties to the Musli and Jarushi families. He described his acquaintance with the Musli family as superficial, limited to respectful interactions during his previous ownership of the Bnei Yehuda football club, and denied recent contact. Regarding the Jarushi family, Abramov recounted a brief interaction through a mutual friend and said he only provided game tickets upon request, emphasizing no deeper relationship.

He challenged authorities to arrest him if any suspicion of criminal involvement existed, noting that police and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir have acknowledged his legitimate business operations. Abramov highlighted a recent phone conference with senior police officials and Ben-Gvir’s office, which resulted in increased police protection at his restaurant branches. He praised Ben-Gvir for supporting business owners contributing significant tax revenue.

Addressing rumors about a Jarushi family member’s connection to one of his outlets, Abramov reiterated his openness to investigation and denied any wrongdoing. He also mentioned that during the recent gang conflict, stun grenades were thrown into a wholesale market, leading to administrative closures, but stressed that his Jafnika chain operates under police protection. Abramov concluded by affirming his respect for various individuals, including government ministers, and dismissed all allegations of criminal ties as unfounded.