Six teenagers were arrested in connection with the Independence Day killing of 21-year-old pizzeria worker Yemanu Binyamin Zelka in Petah Tikva. Zelka was attacked after asking a group of youths to stop spraying party foam inside the restaurant where he worked during the holiday.

According to police, the suspects, aged 13 to 17, allegedly waited outside for Zelka to finish his shift before assaulting him in the early hours of Wednesday morning. He was fatally wounded and later died in hospital. Investigators said the teens attempted to evade capture by turning off their phones and avoiding their homes, describing their behavior as that of 'veteran criminals.'

Authorities carried out simultaneous raids early Saturday, arresting six suspects and collecting evidence. Some of the minors were previously known to police, and reports indicate that about 10 youths were involved in the attack. The suspects were set to appear before a judge for a remand hearing as the investigation continues under a partial gag order.

Following Zelka’s death, residents gathered outside the restaurant to light candles and leave messages of support. Family members and community institutions remembered him as humble, hardworking, and devoted, mourning what they described as the loss of a pure and innocent young man.