Pro-Palestinians vandalize kosher restaurant in Athens

In Athens, Greece, a kosher restaurant was vandalized by a group of six masked pro-Palestinian activists who carried out an antisemitic attack. This incident occurred on Saturday, and the restaurant, named 'King David Burger,' was recently opened just six weeks prior by Israeli businessman Tzvi Levinson. The attackers not only threatened the local Greek staff but also left graffiti with anti-Jewish messages, adding to the atmosphere of fear and tension surrounding the establishment. Levinson was in Israel during the attack and was able to connect with his employees online, who expressed their shock and fear during the events. The restaurant has been recognized for its kosher certification, which clearly associates it with Israeli culture. Following the incident, Levinson noted that the attackers spread rumors accusing Israelis of harming children, showcasing the severity of rhetoric employed by the assailants. The targeted employees were not Israeli nationals but were Greek staff who felt directly threatened by the attack, with one employee being warned about dire consequences should they attempt to leave the premises during the vandalism. In light of the attack, Greek authorities have initiated an investigation, enlisting hate crime specialists to probe into the matter thoroughly. The Israeli embassy in Greece is monitoring the situation, working alongside local police. Levinson highlighted the supportive response from the Israeli community in Athens, with members rallying to demonstrate solidarity. They sang traditional hymns, showcasing their unity and resilience in face of the attacks. The restaurant's recent establishment is vital to maintaining the Israeli presence within this area of Athens, where Hebrew speakers populate the neighborhood. Levinson warned of damaging repercussions if such attacks continue and called for stronger responses from the authorities to protect his community. As of now, no arrests have been reported, raising concerns regarding the effectiveness of local law enforcement in addressing hate crimes against Jewish establishments in Greece.