The aftermath of the dramatic daylight robbery at Menashe and Sons Jewelers, located in the heart of the West Seattle Junction at 4532 California Ave., has seen the family-owned business grappling with shock, implementing significant security upgrades, and supporting their employees, all while witnessing an outpouring of community solidarity.

The robbery, which occurred around noon on Thursday, August 14, involved four masked and gloved men who, armed with bear spray, smashed through the controlled entrance with hammers and forced employees to the floor, specifically targeting gold, emeralds, and Rolex watches. 

Jack said he was surprised not by the threats of the bear spray, but by the seeming cordial nature of one robber who "politely asked me to 'Please get on the floor' and who seemed like he would have rather been anywhere else."

During the robbery, Josh Menashe said, "I started screaming to alarm everyone", while another began calling 911. The store's security guard, Bernie, went to the ground, as did owner Jack Menashe and two customers. One customer managed to bolt out another door with an employee. Josh came outside seconds after the thieves left in a gray Subaru and shouted," HELP! We've been robbed". Police arrived, according to an officer on the scene and store employees, in less than 2 minutes. 

Still, that wasn't fast enough.

"The entire incident was incredibly quick," explained Josh lasting only about one minute and 40 seconds from the time they broke through the locked door until they left. Employees felt the perpetrators "knew exactly where to go and what to take," suggesting the business might have been "cased" the day before by a person live streaming video from his phone.

The thieves damaged five of the store's 25 cases which are now being repaired as employees conduct a comprehensive inventory. They plan to have the glass door and display glass that was smashed out, back in place by this Friday.

This was not the first time the jewelry store had experienced such a traumatic event. Josh recalled that twenty years prior, there was a "big armed robbery" where robbers came in with machine guns and bulletproof vests, tying him up in the back vault. At that time, the store had an open mahogany door. Despite having a locked door and tempered glass that had worked well for years, during the recent incident, the robbers' sledgehammers jolted the magnet off the lock, allowing them entry. Josh said he was shocked that they came through the locked door so fast, stating, "I felt very secure with a security guard and I felt very secure with that door".

Josh expressed relief that no customer's jewelry was stolen among the many pieces there for repair or makeovers.

In the wake of the robbery, significant changes are being implemented to enhance security. The store plans to remove the watch case entirely, and it's uncertain if they will continue to sell Rolex watches for a while, as the stolen collection comprised pre-owned, high-end watches accumulated over 30 years.

Jack acknowledged that placing a case with many Rolexes by the front was a learning experience. The business is committed to achieving "A+ security" and plans to incorporate every tip received from a security consultant who did a full walk through over the weekend. 

The family is determined to "get smarter, bigger, tougher, and better for the future" and "come back stronger".

Ironically before the robbery, there was already a plan to close for three days in mid-September to redo the entire store, moving valuable items to a safe deposit box to be less vulnerable.

Coping with the emotional and psychological impact of the robbery has been challenging for the staff. At least one employee has asked for time off due to the trauma, and the entire team is "shook", some having trouble sleeping. To address this, the store plans to offer professional counseling starting next week.

Despite the immense $2 miillion loss, estimated to include 700-800k in Rolex watches, a $125k emerald necklace, and large amounts of gold jewelry, Jack continuously reminds himself that "nobody got hurt," and it "could have been a lot worse".

The West Seattle community has shown incredible support for the Menashe family.

When the store reopened to allow customers to pick up their items, even before it was advertised, other customers came in to buy items specifically to help out, with some making purchases like $600-$800 items or a bracelet as a gift. This outpouring of support, including flowers, food, and cards, was described as "just incredible" and brought Jack to tears.

"If you could see my home right now it's just full flower bouquets sent by customers," Jack said.

He cited how grateful he was that Chris Mackay Executive Director of the West Seattle Junction Association, paid to have a security guard outside the business, following the break-in.

Even Seattle Police Chief, Shon Barnes, has visited the store twice, showing sympathy for businesses going through such violent situations.

The family, which has been in business for 53 years, working together with two generations, is resolute in their commitment to staying in the community. They view the tragic event as an opportunity to "flip the script" and emerge stronger, emphasizing that they are "there to stay".

Jack Menashe started the business at age 25 in 1973. "I'm in the happiness business," he said, "and I live close." His whole life has been built around the jewelry business. " I have three uncles on my Mom's side. They all got married late in life and had kids. So myself and my sister were like their kids until they had their own. They were mentoring me since age eight."

Along the way he and his family have become inextricably woven into the fabric of West Seattle with their sponsorships of events, teams and causes, and even achieved national television fame for their massive holiday lights celebration at their home on Beach Drive SW. It has been a hugely popular local tradition for decades.

Jack said that now he's older, rather than close the store, he recognizes the value it brings to the community, his family and himself, "You have to stay busy, and now I know at my age it's good to have a place to go and a reason to shave in the morning. Who can say they've worked with two of their children for all these years? Who can say they've helped so many people have happiness?"