“Don’t Mess With Iran”: Israelis Attacked in San Jose After Speaking Hebrew

Two Israeli-American men were assaulted outside a restaurant in San Jose, California, on Sunday afternoon after attackers allegedly heard them speaking Hebrew, according to local media reports. The incident occurred at the upscale Santana Row shopping and dining district while the two men were waiting to be seated at the Augustine restaurant.

Police in San Jose say they are investigating the assault as a possible hate crime after witnesses reported that antisemitic language was shouted during the attack. Video footage of the confrontation, captured by bystanders and circulated widely on social media, shows the two victims being punched and knocked to the ground by three individuals before the suspects fled the scene.

According to the victims, the attack began suddenly as they waited outside the restaurant for a table. One of the men described how the violence erupted without warning. “I just turned around, and they literally started punching. We got swarmed very badly. I’m in a lot of pain. I still cannot chew. My jaw hurts, my back is hurting.”

Another victim said the attackers appeared to deliberately target the head during the assault. “Every punch landed exactly where they wanted to hit, straight to the head, intended to cause maximum damage.”

One of the men lost consciousness during the incident and later required stitches, while the second victim suffered cuts and bruises. Both were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment and later released.

Witnesses and the victims also reported hearing antisemitic remarks during the attack. According to one account cited by local media, a witness heard one of the attackers shout, “Don’t mess with Iran.” One of the victims said he also heard antisemitic language at the beginning of the confrontation. “I heard at the beginning of the fight something like ‘F the Jews.’”

San Jose police confirmed they are aware of the incident and said detectives are reviewing video evidence and witness statements. Because the reported remarks include antisemitic language, authorities said the case is being examined as a potential hate crime while the investigation continues.

Several political leaders and community representatives condemned the assault. Rep. Sam Liccardo, who represents California’s 16th Congressional District and previously served as mayor of San Jose, said the violence targeted not only the victims but the wider community. “Violence targeting any members of our community — including our Jewish and Israeli community members — amounts to an attack on all of us.”

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan also responded publicly, stating that “Antisemitism and all acts of hatred have no place in San Jose.” He said he has been in contact with local police and Jewish community leaders regarding the investigation.

The attack has raised concern among Jewish organizations in the region, which say antisemitic incidents in the United States have been increasing in recent years. The case has also drawn attention because it occurred amid heightened international tensions involving Israel and Iran.

At the same time, many American Jews say they are concerned about the domestic consequences of the conflict. According to a recent survey, 52% of American Jews believe the war will increase antisemitism in the United States, while 45% expect anti-Israel sentiment to rise as the fighting continues.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident and have asked witnesses or anyone with information about the suspects to contact the San Jose Police Department.