Two Israeli Americans beaten in California attack after speaking Hebrew

Two Israeli-American men were hospitalised after being attacked while speaking Hebrew outside a restaurant in California, in what police are investigating as a possible hate crime.

The assault happened at about 3.30pm on Sunday outside Augustine restaurant in Santana Row, a busy shopping and dining area in San Jose.

The two men said they were waiting for a table when three young men approached and suddenly began punching them.

Video recorded by witnesses shows the attack lasting around 30 seconds, with both victims repeatedly struck in the head. One of the men was briefly knocked unconscious and later required stitches.

Describing the assault, one victim said the attackers aimed their blows deliberately.

“Every punch connected directly to where they wanted, to the head directly,” he said. “It was on purpose to hit and make maximum damage.”

The injured men, who asked not to be identified, were taken to the hospital with injuries including facial swelling, cuts and bruising.

Witnesses reported hearing the attackers shout abuse, including “F the Jews” and “don’t mess with Iran” during the assault.

San Jose Police said officers are investigating the incident and confirmed it is being treated as a possible hate crime because of the alleged antisemitic language used.

Local leaders have condemned the violence.

Democratic Congressman Sam Liccardo wrote on X: “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 said: “Antisemitism and all acts of hatred have no place in San Jose. Being able to talk about our differences and celebrate them is what makes us the safest big city in America.”

Jewish organisations in the Bay Area warned that the attack reflects rising concerns about antisemitism in the United States.

Tali Klima of the Bay Area Jewish Coalition said: “Antisemitism has been on the rise in the US, even before 7 October and it just keeps going up and up and up. And so, it’s time to take this problem seriously and actually take concrete steps to address it.”

Police said the investigation remains ongoing and no arrests have yet been announced.