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Ohio jihad attack victim: “I didn’t come to America to have the president preach about Islam”

May 8, 2016 12:47 pm By Robert Spencer

Hany Baransi’s restaurant in Columbus, Ohio was the site of a jihad terror attack. In the aftermath of that attack, however, government officials did not reach out to him. Perhaps they feared that doing so would make them appear “Islamophobic.”

Meanwhile, Baransi has no patience for Obama’s Islamofantasies. As an Israeli, and now with his experience in Columbus, he knows what Islamic jihad terrorism is. A courageous and realistic man.

Hany Baransi Bill Foley

“Terror attack turns Arab Ohio restaurant owner into fighter for Israel,” by Renee Ghert-Zand, Times of Israel, May 7, 2016 (thanks to The Religion of Peace):

After not visiting Israel for nine years, Hany Baransi, the owner of the Nazareth Restaurant and Deli in Columbus, Ohio, needed to be home in Haifa surrounded by family who would understand what he’s been going through lately — terrorism.

On February 11, Baransi’s popular restuarant [sic] was attacked by a machete-wielding assailant. The attacker, 30-year-old Mohamed Bary, was chased and killed by police after he allegedly lunged at them with a weapon. According to news reports, Bary, a Muslim from Guinea in West Africa, had previously come to the FBI’s attention with his radical Islamist statements.

Four were injured in the attack; one victim, musician Bill Foley, was critically hurt. Foley and the other victims have now recovered and he is even back performing at the Nazareth Restaurant.

While in northern Israel this week, Baransi told The Times of Israel by phone that he is sure the attack was a targeted assassination, although he was not at the restaurant at the time of the attack and had not received any threats. He said his staff told him that about half an hour before the attack, Bary had entered the restaurant asking about the owner’s national background. After staff members told Bary that Baransi was from Israel, he left. He soon returned wielding a machete and began hacking at customers and staff.

“I am sure it was an assassination attempt. I was the target. Why else would the Nazareth have been targeted? It wasn’t a random attack. Mine is the only restaurant in Columbus that displays an Israeli flag,” said Baransi.

Baransi, a 50-year-old Christian Arab who has lived in the United States since 1983, has always been proudly open about his Israeli nationality.

“I’m an American Israeli Christian Arab. My being Israeli comes first,” he said.

Baransi told The Times of Israel he is frustrated with law enforcement authorities and local leaders. He said that while the FBI questioned him immediately after the attack, the bureau has more recently refused to respond to his requests for information about its ongoing investigation. He is also dismayed by the refusal of authorities to label the attack as Islamic terrorism, which he is certain it was.

“There is a problem in the US to mention terrorism or Islamic extremism. Obama talks about how Muslims are peace-loving. I didn’t come to America to have the president preach about Islam,” Baransi asserted.

The loquacious restaurateur was buoyed by the outpouring of post-attack support he received from Columbus residents, as well as from Israelis and Jews from across the US. He was especially touched by Israeli Ambassador to the US Ron Dermer’s offer to attend the Nazareth’s reopening on March 14. (In the end, Dermer was unable to come due to a scheduling conflict, but he sent Baransi a large Israeli flag to display).

Baransi was far less charitable when he spoke of local politicians’ response to the attack.

“I have a real problem with how the government is handling things. I haven’t received any financial or moral support from any political figures. For the first weeks after the attack, not one government representative came to check on us. A city council member reached out to me shortly before we reopened the restaurant on March 14. Then the mayor called the day before the reopening and asked to come, but I told him he wasn’t welcome at that point,” Baransi said.

In the past, Baransi weathered thefts, robberies and lawsuits against his business on his own.

“I never took a penny from anyone. There were times I had to sleep in my car and eat Cheerios for breakfast, lunch and dinner to get by,” he recalled.

However, he believes this situation is different and that he deserves some official assistance.

“I’ve had to pay for the $100,000 clean up expenses on my own, which I don’t think I should have had to. And I continued to pay my employees while we were closed. It was the right thing to do, and I was sure that we would get financial help later. But we haven’t,” he said.

Baransi, who was raised as a Catholic in mixed Jewish-Arab neighborhoods in Haifa, went to the US after graduating from high school. He studied computers, but never ended up getting a degree. Instead, he worked in restaurants and as a car salesman….

Twice-divorced with an adult daughter, Baransi currently has 20 employees from seven different countries, some of them Muslim. Many of them are young, and according to Baransi, they were overwhelmed and scared by what happened.

By contrast, he said he is not scared personally. He is, however, angry. That is why he had to get away and come home to Israel for the first time in almost a decade.

“I was angry and giving off negative energy. I’ve been dealing with the thought that somebody could have died because of me,” he explained.

“I am feeling better now. It’s good to be around Israelis who understand what being the victim of terrorism is like. We are Israelis. We are resilient.”

The attack on his restaurant was a turning point for Baransi. He has decided that he will no longer go into the Nazareth everyday. Preferring to handle the restaurant’s business from behind the scenes from now on, he plans on focusing his time and energy on being an unofficial Israeli ambassador to his fellow Americans.

“I am going to fight hatred against Jews and Israelis. My daily job will be to give speeches and meet with church and charity groups to educate them about Israel, so people get the facts straight,” he said.

Baransi (who now carries a little Israeli flag with him at all times) has already been talking to local school groups about Israel for the past 15 years. He was also invited this past March to attend the annual AIPAC policy in Washington, DC, where he met Dermer and former Israeli ambassador to the US and current MK Michael Oren, and had a chance to speak to some conference attendees.

An Arab Israeli, Baransi had never really considered himself as a Zionist. But now he thinks the term might fit.

“If being a 100 percent supporter of Israel means I am a Zionist, then I guess I am,” he suggested.

Baransi left Israel on Thursday to be back in Columbus in time to prepare for the Nazareth’s first-ever Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) celebration. He’s co-hosting it with local pro-Israel and Jewish student groups….

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Filed Under: Barack Obama, Featured, Israel, Jihad in the U.S. Tagged With: Hany Baransi


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Comments

  1. Christianblood says

    May 8, 2016 at 12:55 pm

    I hear you!

    • Western Canadian says

      May 8, 2016 at 4:51 pm

      And again, you have left out your usual absurd and dishonest blanket smears against the west!! That the degeneracy in the west is due to hard left loons in the soviet union, and those who to this day are guilty of doing their bidding to attack and weaken the west, has been something you have never acknowledged, instead you merely blame the west for the success of the soviet union….

      Are you not feeling well??

      • Peggy says

        May 8, 2016 at 10:53 pm

        You got all that from “I hear you”?

        • Angemon says

          May 9, 2016 at 7:54 am

          Probably from the many dozens, if not hundreds, of posts where CB lied, smeared and vilified the West while sanctifying Russia and its jihadi allies…

      • Christianblood says

        May 9, 2016 at 9:15 am

        Angemon

        Shame on you! Look at the jihadwatch link below and see what your American/Western governments are backing. This is not a lie I making up my self, that is a fact that whole world knows it. Shame on you!

        https://www.jihadwatch.org/2016/05/raymond-ibrahim-how-the-media-exploit-and-omit-pictures-to-islams-benefit-warning-graphic

        • Angemon says

          May 9, 2016 at 11:23 am

          Christianblood posted:

          “Angemon

          Shame on you! ”

          Shame on me for what? For pointing out the obvious? That you wrote many dozens, if not hundreds, of posts where you lied, smeared and vilified the West while sanctifying Russia and its jihadi allies? Do you deny that? Do you need a refresher?

          “Look at the jihadwatch link below and see what your American/Western governments are backing.”

          The link doesn’t talk about governments. You won’t find the word “government” anywhere in that article. Again, you make an asinine, Westernphobic claim and you provide a link that, contrary to what you say, proves you wrong. You lie. A lot. And anyone willingly covering up for your lies is just as bad, if not worse, than you.

          “This is not a lie”

          Yes, it is. The word “government” is nowhere in Mr. Ibrahim’s article.

          “I making up my self”

          That part I believe – you’re just paid to propagate propaganda. Actually inventing it is way above your pay grade.

          “that is a fact”

          Citation needed.

          “that whole world knows it.”

          Citation needed.

          “Shame on you! ”

          Shame on me for what? For pointing out the obvious? That you wrote many dozens, if not hundreds, of posts where you lied, smeared and vilified the West while sanctifying Russia and its jihadi allies? Do you deny that? Do you need a refresher?

        • Pere LaChaise says

          May 9, 2016 at 1:03 pm

          It’s sad that this Catholic Christian Arab Israeli American puts Israel ahead of Christ. Zionism has no place for people like him – out of the picture for being both Christian and Arab. But this is what happens to colonized peoples – their identity is so hard to maintain because it gets no outside recognition.
          He should go to an Arab church and gain support among his own people, who are maltreated back in Zionist Israel.

  2. mortimer says

    May 8, 2016 at 1:10 pm

    Why would anyone expect President Obama (or any politician) to be knowledgeable about the jihad doctrine or the newest techniques of brain surgery or the fine points of Ming pottery? They wouldn’t.

    On the other hand, Caliph Abu Bakr al Baghdadi holds a BA, MA and PhD in Islamic studies and is considered one of the greatest authorities on Islam in the world. His teachers believe he had more knowledge of Islam than most university department heads. He knows 1000 times more Islam than Obama.

    Caliph al Baghdadi is producing the purest form of Islam since the Rightly Guided Caliphs who got their knowledge of Islam directly from Mohammed. Every action of al-Baghdadi’s Islamic State is guided by their examples and thoroughly proof-texted chapter and verse. Why would you seek an interpretation of Islam from anyone else, since no one is as well-informed as al-Baghdadi? That is the conclusion of Muslims worldwide.

    Obama’s fantasy version of Islam is actually better called ‘Islam-à-la-carte’ or ‘cafeteria Islam’. It’s all ice cream and pudding, and zero broccoli, liver or cabbage. Obama’s version is easy to dismiss if you have read the foundational source texts of Islam, the Sira, hadiths, Koran, canonical commentaries and manuals of Sharia law. Obama has not read them, but preposterously presents himself as an authority on Islam. Jihadists see Obama’s absurdity quite clearly.

    • Western Canadian says

      May 8, 2016 at 10:43 pm

      Reagan was very on the mark when it came to communism, and numerous other subjects. It is not in the least unusual for such a state of affairs to exist… Churchill also springs to mind.

      A pack of dumbed down morons, products of the soviet unions very successful attack on western institution, are an entirely different kettle of rotted fish.

  3. mortimer says

    May 8, 2016 at 1:19 pm

    Hany Baransi’s love of Israel is based on knowledge, rather than fantasy. I wish him a speedy and complete recovery. I pray for him and his employees and wish them great success.

    • Mark Swan says

      May 9, 2016 at 12:29 am

      Absolutely, mortimer, we all should.

    • Pere LaChaise says

      May 9, 2016 at 1:06 pm

      It’s based on desperation and trauma. He is marginal in Zionist society and will never be loved by Jews there. Christians are the victims of islamic and Jewish hatred there. Ever heard of “price tags”? Zionists regularly torch churches and spit on Christians in Jerusalem. I am ashamed for this poor man traumatized by Islamic violence, and seeking shelter among false friends who only want him to bolster their dominance over Christian Arab minority in Zionist Israel.

      • Paul says

        May 9, 2016 at 7:04 pm

        Nobody regularly torches churches or carries out attacks against minorities in Israel. Those that occasionally do are duly arrested and charged. You are a lying anti-semite.

      • Dennis says

        May 14, 2016 at 11:46 am

        I was visiting Israel and lived in the Arab youth hostel in Akko. I met many Arab Christians and Arab Muslims, graduates of Israeli universities and working at Israeli companies. They would totally disagree with Pere! I had the opportunity to dialogue with Arab intellectuals who tended to be non-religious. Yes there s a very small “Pay Back” minority, but as these Arab intellectuals told me that they had more freedom in Israel. The Christians told me that they were safer in Israel then in any Muslim country. Yes Pere you are a lying anti-Semite

  4. Angemon says

    May 8, 2016 at 1:48 pm

    Brave man 🙂 Hope everything works out for the best.

    • Mark Swan says

      May 9, 2016 at 12:31 am

      Yes Indeed

  5. Shmooviyet says

    May 8, 2016 at 1:54 pm

    Much respect due Mr. Baransi! What a brave, patriotic soul.

    The mayor who called right before the re-opening was a puke looking for a little attention. He deserved the rebuttal and could use “Man-up” lessons from Baransi.

    The little d— who chose Nazareth for his attack expected to terrorize; what a surprise he received–HA!

  6. Keys says

    May 8, 2016 at 1:55 pm

    “I never took a penny from anyone. There were times I had to sleep in my car and eat Cheerios for breakfast, lunch and dinner to get by …. I’ve had to pay for the $100,000 clean up expenses on my own …. I continued to pay my employees while we were closed. It was the right thing to do, and I was sure that we would get financial help later. But we haven’t,” he said.
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    God bless and protect him and his American spirit. Like most Americans, not only does Baransi have no patience for Obama preaching “Islamophantasies”, but also I’d bet he has no respect for Obama’s “you didn’t build that” attitude!

    Obama is despicable. And the clock boy got invited to the White house. Makes me spit!

  7. TheDane says

    May 8, 2016 at 3:02 pm

    I wish this brave Israeli a speedy recovery, and I hope that he returns to the Holy Land soon! The US is not what is used to be, thanks to the moslem in the White House!!
    The US Govt. should of course reimburse this man’s expenses, because had they jailed this moslem terrorist on suspicion, or had they not allowed any moslems to reside in the US this would never have happened. The Govt. is to blame.

  8. Jay Boo says

    May 8, 2016 at 3:04 pm

    If only he had been attacked by a Muslim neighbor about a parking dispute Obama would have spoken out.

    Brother of slain UNC student praises Obama’s mention of Muslims in Chapel Hill

    http://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/crime/article53802605.html

  9. Mirren10 says

    May 8, 2016 at 3:49 pm

    This brave man is a Christian, *and* Israeli. Of course obama wouldn’t speak out, or offer any support at all. Appalling, but absolutely to be expected.

    • Mark Swan says

      May 9, 2016 at 12:34 am

      You Got It, Mirren10, That’s It.

  10. Hope says

    May 8, 2016 at 3:58 pm

    So, the authorities are dragging their feet again, refusing to label this an islamic terrorist attack. Anyone could see from the moment this story broke that this was another islamic contribution to Peace, simply by looking at the name of the restaurant.

    God bless you, Mr. Baransi. I guess I am a Zionist too.

  11. linnte says

    May 8, 2016 at 8:04 pm

    It is heartening to hear him bounce back with a good attitude. Me? I’d be raging against the lack of understanding that it was a Terrorist attack. God bless him!

  12. Linde Barrera says

    May 8, 2016 at 8:43 pm

    Hany Baransi should be elected Mayor of Columbus, Ohio. He would be awesome.

  13. Jay Boo says

    May 8, 2016 at 10:46 pm

    Off Topic — Somali refugee flood gate

    Kenya planning to close largest refugee camp in the world.
    Where will Muslims go — to dar al Islam?
    or Suckers in the West

    Expect NPR and Obama to play it for all its worth.

  14. Peggy says

    May 8, 2016 at 11:03 pm

    Muslims have invented Islamophobia to keep us all afraid to rebel against Islam. We need a word we can use to describe what they are doing to us. Evil comes to mind immediately.
    These bastards will use anything and everything to keep us down.
    Here is a recent example of another attack on us and all we can do is agree with this Muslim because as we all know “Muslims don’t lie”.

    http://thefix.ninemsn.com.au/2016/05/08/22/59/waleed-aly-wins-the-gold-logie-delivers-on-point-moving-acceptance-speech

    Shock, horror, we are such racists here that a Muslim managed to get a gold logie. Some guy whose name we are not allowed to know had to use a false name to get a job in the media (biggest Muslim cheer squad) while another Muslim gets a gold logie for being the most popular personality.
    I think I want to vomit.

  15. Dr. W says

    May 9, 2016 at 12:09 am

    Great guy!

  16. Guest says

    May 9, 2016 at 1:08 am

    Is that any way to thank someone who’s trying to protect him from another attack?

  17. Ver Auger says

    May 9, 2016 at 6:02 am

    May God protect and quickly heal Mr. Baransi, a true Christian, Israeli, Arab and AMERICAN! Come back to the USA, we need you here. By your example, may you inspire others to do good work, good deeds, and always do unto others as you would have them do unto you. That Golden Rule is not copyrighted by any one religion, but it is the metric by which all religions should evaluate behavior. If you would not want to be blown up, beheaded, set on fire or killed by mass drowning, why then that means you should not do those things to other folks who are peacefully living their lives, worshiping God in the way of their ancestors, or not, regardless of what any fanatic tells you. It’s really that easy to be a good person.

  18. Rachel says

    May 9, 2016 at 7:56 am

    Nazereth Restaurant and Deli is a great place to eat!! Great Mediterranean food at very good prices and wonderful staff! It is especially popular among Christians in the Northeast part of Columbus. If you get to central Ohio, make sure to have a meal there!
    http://nazarethdeli.com/
    Google street view at http://tinyurl.com/zda5usl

  19. Edward Durfee says

    May 9, 2016 at 8:27 am

    We have to form together to protect our communities from these insane people. Meet with your neighbors and get to know each other. Meet and plan Political Action for your community. Use the resources of sites like http://restoretheusa.net.

  20. Rob says

    May 9, 2016 at 4:11 pm

    Hany. You got it in a nutshell.
    Peace and a speedy recovery in mind and body.

  21. Kafir3 says

    May 10, 2016 at 1:36 am

    God Bless you and I hope you are compensated for your losses.

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