Fundraisers Sponsored by Two Families Whose Lives Were Shattered in Shooting at Dental Office

By Miriam Raftery
East County Magazine

EL CAJON, California – Yareli Carrillo, mother of a 9-month-old baby, was one of two people injured when a gunman opened fire on Feb. 29 at the Smile Plus Dentistry & Orthodontics clinic in El Cajon where she works as an administrative assistant. The shooter, a former patient, killed Dr. Benjamin Harouni.

The young mother was shot five times in the legs, and has been hospitalized in stable condition. Yarelli Carillo’s family has started a fundraiser on GoFundMe. Organizer Edgar Hernandez says. “Your generous contributions will directly support Yareli as she rebuilds her life, covering medical expenses, ongoing treatment, and ensuring the well-being of her baby boy in a stable and nurturing environment. Together, we can make a difference and bring hope and healing to Yareli and her family.”

Jake Harouni has set up a separate fundraiser in memory of his brother, Dr.. Benjamin Harouni. “We’re organizing a charity – Hearts Over Hate – to support families affected by violent crimes, offering them much-needed counseling and support, particularly for those who lack the resources to access these services,” Jake Harouni writes.

He adds, ”Our enduring vision is to foster peace by educating young people and nurturing environments of love and kindness. This proactive approach aims to prevent such tragedies from recurring.”

He adds, “Benjamin understood the privileges he had in life and was deeply committed to helping those less fortunate. We are committed to honoring his legacy and shining his light even in the darkest times. Join us in this mission to not only aid those in immediate need but also to lay the foundation for a future where love and understanding triumph over hate and violence.”

The shooter, Mohammed Abdulkareem, 29, has been charged with murder of Dr. Harouni, who is Jewish,and two counts of attempted murder. An office manager was also injured.

The FBI and El Cajon Police are investigating, and El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells says hate crimes have not been ruled out.

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Miriam Raftery is publisher and editor of East County Magazine, with which San Diego Jewish World trades stories under auspices of the San Diego Online News Association