Vandals target Israeli restaurant in Brooklyn with antisemitic messages
- Miriam restaurant in Park Slope, Brooklyn was vandalized with antisemitic graffiti overnight.
- The incident has drawn condemnation from city officials and local leaders.
- The restaurant's owner expresses a desire for constructive dialogue over destructive actions.
In Brooklyn, New York, a popular Israeli restaurant called Miriam was vandalized over the weekend, attracting notable attention from local officials and communities. The vandalism occurred early Sunday morning, around 3 a.m., when individuals defaced the exterior of the restaurant with messages against Israel, which included terms like 'genocide cuisine' and 'Israel steals culture.' Surveillance footage shows the act, which involved two people—one spray painting graffiti while the other stood by. The mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, condemned the act on social media, labeling it a 'despicable act of antisemitism.' He emphasized the importance of confronting hate in all its forms and assured the public that the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force is actively investigating the incident. This vandalism has sparked widespread condemnation from various leaders, including Congressman Richie Torres and Senator Chuck Schumer, who offered their support for the restaurant's owner, Rafi Hasid. Rafi Hasid has expressed his disappointment over the act, highlighting that his establishment has served the Park Slope community for over two decades and has maintained a peaceful relationship with neighbors. He stated, 'We've been good neighbors for 20 years, and I don't think we deserve any of this behavior,' reinforcing the notion that open dialogue is preferred over destructive actions. The fallout from this vandalism has raised significant concerns regarding community safety and the prevalence of hate crimes, particularly as the incident coincides with International Holocaust Remembrance Day. In response to the attack, community members are rallying around Miriam, emphasizing inclusivity and the celebration of diverse cultures through food. Hasid posted on Instagram that the restaurant will not be deterred by this setback, stating, 'We refuse to let this darken our spirit. Miriam stands for inclusivity and unity and bringing people together through the shared love of delicious food and warm hospitality.' The incident has highlighted the ongoing struggles against hate and prejudice, calling for community solidarity and proactive measures to ensure safety and acceptance for all.