Violent Assault Outside Bay Area Restaurant Sparks Hate Crime Investigation

Two Israeli American men were allegedly attacked by a group of three men who used antisemitic language, according to authorities.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Police in San Jose, California are investigating a violent assault that occurred outside a restaurant in the Santana Row shopping district on Sunday as a possible hate crime. Two Israeli American men were allegedly approached by a group of three men who used antisemitic language before physically attacking them. The two victims suffered minor injuries, and the suspects fled the scene before police arrived. Authorities are still reviewing evidence to determine if the incident meets the legal criteria for a hate crime.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing issue of antisemitism and hate crimes targeting the Jewish community in the Bay Area and across the country. Community leaders have expressed concern over the rise in such incidents in recent years and are calling on local authorities to take the matter seriously and address the broader climate of Jew hatred.

The details

According to police, the altercation occurred on Sunday afternoon on the 300 block of Santana Row in San Jose. A group of three men allegedly approached two other men, who told police the suspects used 'antisemitic language' during a physical fight that ensued. One of the victims was reportedly 'knocked out cold,' while the other was jumped and assaulted. A video of the incident circulating on social media shows a man being pulled to the ground and repeatedly punched and kicked by the group.

  • The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon, March 10, 2026.
  • Police are still investigating the case as of Wednesday, March 13, 2026.

The players

San Jose Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the incident as a possible hate crime.

Daniel Klein

The CEO of Jewish Silicon Valley, a nonprofit organization, who spoke with the two victims of the assault.

Tali Klima

A spokesperson for the Bay Area Jewish Coalition, who expressed concern over the rise in antisemitism and called on authorities to address the issue.

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What they’re saying

“It just seemed like they were doing it with such anger.”

— Melissa Escudero, Witness to the altercation (Bay Area News Group)

“The Jewish community is very afraid for our safety following this brutal assault in broad daylight. Given the ongoing surge in antisemitism in recent years, we expect San Jose police and local officials to take this matter seriously and take proper action to address not only this specific incident but the overall climate of Jew hatred.”

— Tali Klima, Spokesperson, Bay Area Jewish Coalition (SFGATE)

What’s next

Investigators are continuing to review evidence to determine if the assault meets the legal criteria for a hate crime. The San Jose Police Department is urging anyone who witnessed the altercation to come forward with information.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the persistent problem of antisemitism and hate crimes targeting the Jewish community in the Bay Area and beyond. Community leaders are calling on local authorities and officials to take decisive action to address this troubling trend and ensure the safety and security of Jewish residents.