Brookline grocery store attacked in hate crime targeting Jewish community

In Brookline, Massachusetts, a hate crime was reported after a brick inscribed with 'Free Palestine' was thrown through the window of a local kosher grocery store, The Butcherie, on Sunday morning. This incident, which occurred just after midnight, has drawn widespread anger and condemnation from the community. As the store is well-known in the area, being one of the few kosher grocers in the Boston region, it serves not only the Jewish community but a wider customer base. Following the attack, many residents gathered in support of the store and the Jewish community, emphasizing the need to stand against such acts of antisemitism. Police Chief Jennifer Paster confirmed that the act is being treated as a hate crime, emphasizing the targeted nature of the event. She stated that the brick was thrown with the intent to intimidate and instill fear among the Jewish community, highlighting the rising tension surrounding antisemitism in recent times. This incident coincides with a period of heightened concern for the American Jewish population, who have faced an increase in anti-Jewish attacks, often justified by those claiming to protest on behalf of Palestinians. The owner of The Butcherie, Gil Zilberberg, who is a third-generation proprietor of the business, expressed his sadness over the attack but affirmed his commitment to continue serving the community. Brookline has seen various expressions of support for the Jewish community in the wake of this incident, including rallies and public statements from local leaders. Concerns about antisemitism have been echoed by various organizations, including reports from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), which noted an increase in antisemitic incidents across New England. Community leaders like Marc Baker, president of Combined Jewish Philanthropies, and David Pearlman, a Brookline Selectman, have spoken out against the act, reinforcing their stance against hate. They have called for unity in the face of such challenges, indicating that silence or inaction can only serve to encourage further acts of hate. As public support continues to grow, the residents hope to remain vigilant and proactive in combating antisemitism and protecting their community.