Cinema Usher Severely Beaten by Teens After Asking Them to Stop Smoking in Theater

A teenage usher at a cinema in Rehovot was violently attacked by a group of youths on Saturday night after he asked them to stop causing a disturbance and smoking inside the theater. The incident occurred during a screening of the film "Kupa Rishona." The usher was hospitalized at Kaplan Medical Center with facial injuries and released the following day. Police were called to the scene but the attackers fled before officers arrived.

Eyewitnesses, including a couple attending the screening, described how the group of boys and girls repeatedly ignored requests to stop smoking electronic cigarettes and disrupting the film. When the usher asked them to leave, about six teens jumped him and beat him severely, leaving him bleeding and bruised. The husband, who posted about the incident on social media, criticized the cinema's security arrangements, noting that the venue shares security with the mall, causing delays in emergency response.

Another comment from a cinema employee revealed that the victim was a young worker trying to earn money before military service and was left traumatized by the attack. The Israel Police stated they take all violence seriously and launched an immediate investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible.

The Hot Cinema chain condemned the attack, emphasizing zero tolerance for violence or misconduct in their venues. They called on the public and parents to promote respectful behavior to ensure a safe and enjoyable cinema experience for all. A police complaint has been filed, and the company hopes the perpetrators will be brought to justice.