Friend Recalls Failed Attempt to Save Benjamin Yamno Zalca From Fatal Lynching

Alon Sterlevitzky, a close friend of Benjamin Yamno Zalca, recounted the harrowing moments when he tried to save Zalca from a brutal lynching outside a local store. The attack, which ended in Zalca's death, began after a dispute over the use of snow spray cans. Despite dozens of bystanders watching, Alon was the only one who intervened to defend his friend.

Alon described how the assailants initially left but returned with reinforcements, surrounding the store. He tried to calm the situation and even apologized to the attackers, who threatened to take Zalca to a place without cameras. When the violence erupted, Alon attempted to shield Zalca, witnessing him fall to the ground severely injured. He recalled the chilling scene of people standing by as if watching a show, while he was left alone trying to help.

Following the incident, indictments were filed against the youths involved. One faces charges of murder with indifference, while others are charged with aggravated assault. Some suspects have been released from custody, sparking outrage from Zalca's family and friends, who fear leniency due to the young age of the accused. They demand that the perpetrators be tried and sentenced as adults.

Alon expressed his frustration over the suspects' release, emphasizing that if they are capable of such violence, they must face full legal consequences. The family and friends await the continuation of the legal process, hoping for strict punishment for those responsible for Zalca's death.