Suspects Charged in San Jose Assault on Hebrew-Speaking Diners, but No Hate-Crime Counts Filed

The three men accused of violently assaulting two Hebrew-speaking diners outside a San Jose restaurant earlier this month have been charged with felony assault, but prosecutors did not file hate-crime charges in the case.

The March 8 beating outside the Augustine restaurant on Santana Row drew attention after victims reported that their attackers shouted antisemitic slurs during the assault. Police initially examined the case as a possible hate crime. Yet when charges were filed this week, prosecutors opted to pursue felony assault counts instead, raising questions about why the attack has not been formally classified as a hate crime.

According to a San José Police Department report, the two Israeli-American victims were standing on the sidewalk outside the restaurant when three men approached them and an argument broke out. Investigators said the confrontation escalated quickly into violence, with the suspects allegedly knocking the victims to the ground and continuing to punch them for several seconds.

Video of the incident, which circulated online, shows three men repeatedly striking two victims while they are on the ground.

Police said one victim reported that one of the attackers shouted “F— Jews” during the confrontation and believed the assault began after the suspects heard the pair speaking Hebrew. Witnesses also told investigators the attackers shouted “Don’t f— with Iran!” during the attack.

Authorities later identified the suspects as Bruneil Henry Chamaki, 32, Roma Akoyans, 20, and Ramon Akoyans, 18. The three men turned themselves in to San Jose police on March 16 after investigators identified them through surveillance footage, witness accounts, and social media posts.

Chamaki, the oldest of the three suspects, was admitted to the California State Bar in 2023 and has been listed as a corporate attorney.

The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office charged the suspects with felony assault, while Chamaki faces an additional misdemeanor battery charge. But prosecutors said the charges “do not reflect allegations of a hate crime at this time. This remains an active investigation.”

District Attorney Jeff Rosen emphasized that authorities intend to pursue the assault charges aggressively. “We won’t tolerate pummeling a victim on the ground in front of a restaurant or anywhere,” Rosen said. “Our public spaces have to be safe for all to enjoy without fear.”

Under California law, prosecutors must show that bias motivation was a substantial factor in committing the crime in order to file hate-crime charges. Investigators said the case remains under review as they continue examining evidence related to the alleged slurs and the circumstances surrounding the attack.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom condemned the incident, calling the assault “disgusting,” while San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan said the city rejects antisemitism and hatred. “Antisemitism and all acts of hatred have no place in San Jose,” Mahan said.

Both victims suffered injuries including cuts, abrasions and head pain but declined to be transported to a hospital after receiving treatment at the scene, according to police.

The three suspects have since been released on bail. They are scheduled to appear in court for arraignment on May 12, as investigators continue reviewing whether additional charges could be filed in the case.