Friend Recalls Failed Attempt to Save Benyamin Yamno Zalca From Fatal Lynching in Tel Aviv

Alon Sterlevitzky, a close friend of Benyamin Yamno Zalca, recounted the harrowing moments when he tried to save Yamno Zalca from a brutal lynching outside a Tel Aviv store. The violent attack began after a dispute over the use of snow spray cans near the store. Despite dozens of bystanders watching, Alon was the only one who intervened to protect his friend. He described the crowd as passive spectators, watching the assault as if it were a show, leaving him isolated in his efforts.

The attackers initially left after the confrontation but returned with reinforcements, surrounding the store and continuing the assault. Alon tried to calm the situation and even apologized to the attackers, who threatened to take Yamno Zalca to a place without cameras. When the beating escalated, Alon attempted to fend off the attackers, witnessing his friend fall to the ground gravely injured. He described seeing Yamno Zalca’s eyes rolling back as he bled on the pavement, pleading with him to get up despite the dire situation.

Following the attack, which resulted in Yamno Zalca’s death at the hospital, indictments were filed against the involved youths. One is charged with murder with indifference, while others face aggravated assault charges. Some suspects have been released from custody, sparking outrage among Yamno Zalca’s family and friends, who fear leniency due to the suspects’ young ages. They demand that the legal system treat the accused as adults and impose strict penalties. Alon expressed his frustration, stating that if a youth can commit such a violent act, they must also face adult consequences.

The family and Alon await further developments in the legal proceedings, determined to see justice served for Benyamin Yamno Zalca.