COLUMBUS, OH — Community Mourns Beloved Local Business Owner Jehad Alzaben

Heartbreak has rippled across Columbus in the wake of the devastating and senseless killing of Jehad Alzaben, a long-time and deeply cherished business owner who spent more than two decades serving and supporting the East Livingston Avenue community. His tragic death has left family, friends, customers, and neighbors reeling, struggling to comprehend the loss of a man who gave so much and asked for so little in return.

For over 25 years, Jehad Alzaben was a cornerstone of the neighborhood. As the warm and familiar face behind the counter of his carryout store, he greeted customers not as strangers, but as extended family. He remembered names, asked after children, lent a listening ear during hard times, and celebrated others’ successes as if they were his own. His presence was steady, kind, and profoundly human — the kind of person who made even the briefest stop at the corner store feel like coming home.

But Jehad was more than just a business owner. Quietly and without fanfare, he gave back to the community in ways that many are only now beginning to fully understand. Whether it was providing a free meal to someone who couldn’t afford it, donating to local youth programs, or helping struggling families during the holidays, Jehad’s generosity knew no bounds. He never sought attention or praise; instead, he acted from a deep well of compassion and a sense of responsibility to the people around him.

Neighbors recall countless stories of Jehad’s kindness — of groceries paid for when wallets came up short, of words of encouragement during tough times, and of a man who always believed in the potential of his community, even when others had written it off. He was a quiet philanthropist, a trusted confidant, and a stabilizing force for those who frequented his store.

Beyond the walls of his business, Jehad was a devoted family man. Friends speak of his deep love for his wife and children, his pride in their accomplishments, and the sacrifices he made to provide them with a better life. His work ethic was unmatched, often putting in long hours seven days a week — not out of obligation, but out of love and commitment to those he cared about.

His untimely death is a tragic reminder of the senseless violence that continues to plague communities across the country. The pain is particularly sharp because it claimed someone who was not only innocent but essential — someone whose life had been woven so deeply into the fabric of East Livingston Avenue that it’s difficult to imagine the neighborhood without him.

A vigil is being planned to honor Jehad’s life and legacy, with community leaders, neighbors, and longtime customers expected to attend. Many are also calling for renewed efforts to curb violence in Columbus, insisting that meaningful action must be taken so that no more lives are lost so tragically.

As the community mourns, one thing remains clear: Jehad Alzaben’s legacy will not be forgotten. His life was one of service, compassion, and unwavering dedication to those around him. Though he is gone, the countless lives he touched — the meals he gave, the children he inspired, the dignity he extended — will continue to echo through the streets of Columbus for years to come.

Rest in peace, Jehad. Your community loves you, misses you, and will never forget you.