From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Pizza Hut to continue paying salary to family of murdered employee
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Pizza Hut will continue to pay the monthly salary of Yemanu Zelka, an employee at one of its branches in Petah Tikva who was killed outside his workplace last week on Independence Day eve — giving the money to his family.
The 21-year-old, who used his salary from the fast food chain to help support his family, was stabbed to death Tuesday night by a group of adolescents after he told them not to spray party foam in the restaurant.
After waiting outside for Zelka to finish his shift on Tuesday night, the youths ambushed and beat him. One of the assailants then took out a knife and stabbed the young man, causing him to bleed out on the ground while the group fled.
In addition to paying Zelka’s salary, the restaurant chain has also established a financial aid fund for his family members, and has been providing them food and drink as they sit shiva, the seven-day mourning period in Jewish tradition, Channel 12 reports.
The deadly stabbing came as a shock to many Israelis and spurred police to ramp up their efforts against juvenile delinquency, particularly in Tel Aviv and its environs. So far, police have arrested nine minors on suspicion of partipating in Zelka’s killing.
Over the past week, Israelis from across the country have been coming to visit the family as they mourn outside their home in Petah Tikva.
The Times of Israel Community.