Jerusalem, 28 April, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Pizza Hut Israel said on Tuesday it will continue paying the salary of the late Yemanu Binyamin Zalka to his family indefinitely and establish a memorial fund in his name, following his death. The recently discharged soldier was stabbed on Independence Day at the Petah Tikva branch where he worked.
“Yemanu was part of the Pizza Hut family, a dedicated employee and a pleasant person. His despicable and unnecessary murder shocked us all. We consider ourselves morally obligated to stand by the family and help them as much as possible to overcome this terrible loss,” the company’s management said.
Zalka, 21, was attacked after he asked a group of minors to stop spraying foam inside the branch in Petah Tikva, where he served as shift manager. He was later evacuated to Beilinson Hospital, where he died of his wounds. The boys waited for Zalka to leave work before attacking him. Security footage circulating online showed them surrounding Zalka and beating him with bottles as he lay on the ground.
Nine suspects, aged 13–17, have been arrested in connection with the incident. Police also confirmed that the parents of one of the main suspects, a 15-year-old, were arrested on suspicion of attempting to interfere with the investigation by concealing evidence.
Petah Tikva Mayor Rami Greenberg said there were “no words” to describe the shock and pain caused by the killing. He said Zalka was a young man who worked to support himself.
In response to public concern following the incident, the Israel Police announced a nationwide crackdown on youth violence.
“the Israel Police will act with determination and zero tolerance toward anyone involved in violent and criminal incidents,” the police said in a statement. “The operation will include targeted arrests, rapid completion of investigative files, and proactive activity against perpetrators, instigators, and those involved in violent incidents.”