COLUMBUS (WCMH)– Hany Baransi was at home Thursday night when he got a message from one of his cooks that a man with a machete was in his restaurant.

Baransi, the owner of Nazareth Restaurant and Deli, rushed back to work.

“Employees told me he came in and looked around, asked where I was from, what food we have, where was I,” said Baransi.

The question everyone continues to ask is “Why?”

The business owner is from Israel, and has his native country’s flag right next to the American flag. When asked if he felt he was targeted, he said yes. “I hope I’m wrong. I hope it’s not the case.

“I’ve been crying. Like, I’m a 50-year-old man. I’ve been crying like a baby for the last 12 hours,” said Baransi.

The victim who was most critically injured was Bill Foley, a local singer and entertainer.

He had been singing at the restaurant the night of the attack.

NBC4 spoke to one of his fans, Bonnie Stern.

“It’s just devastating to his fans and his friends. Everybody is just very in shock, upset and sad,” said Stern.

Now, Baransi’s focus is on his friends, customers and future.

“For customers, thanks for the support, and live, we’ll get cleaned up, you get knocked down you get up again. God bless you, and I love you,” he said.