Attack at Israeli Restaurant in Ohio Suspected to be Act of Terrorism

An Israeli restaurant in Columbus, Ohio was recently the site of an attack, which the FBI suspects may be an act of terrorism.

CBN News reports that the attack took place at Nazareth Deli & Restaurant, an establishment owned by Hany Baransi, an Arab Christian who moved to the U.S. from Israel.

Baransi said that the attacker apparently came into the restaurant hoping to find Baransi there, left when he didn’t find him, but returned with a machete and began attacking patrons who were dining at the restaurant.

The attacker injured four people with the machete, including a married couple who were highschool sweethearts. 

The Columbus Dispatch reports that the couple, Gerald and Debbie Russell, spent Valentine’s Day in the hospital recovering together from the severe cuts on their arms and hands. The couple says they are happy to be alive and harbor no bitterness.

“I’m not going to be bitter,”Mrs. Russell said. “My husband is OK, I’m OK. We’re going to make it. If we’re a few fingers short, we’ll still be sitting next to each other till the end.”

According to CBN News, the community has rallied around Baransi and his restaurant after the attack.

Thousands of customers responded to a Facebook invitation on Wednesday to show their support by coming out to the restaurant to enjoy a buffet-style meal. Baransi and his staff have also been coming together and supporting each other since the attack.

"The Lord has His hand on this place," Baransi said.

Publication date: February 19, 2016