An Israeli restaurant in Brooklyn, Miriam, was targeted in a disturbing act of antisemitism over the weekend, prompting strong condemnation from New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The incident involved the defacement of the restaurant's exterior with hateful phrases such as 'Israel steals culture' and 'Genocide cuisine,' as reported by the New York City Police Department's Hate Crimes Task Force.
Mayor Adams expressed his outrage, labeling the vandalism as a 'despicable act of antisemitism' and emphasizing the city's commitment to investigating and holding those responsible accountable. The NYPD is actively looking into the matter.
In response to the attack, Miriam released a statement on Instagram, denouncing the vandalism as an expression of hate but affirming their dedication to inclusivity and unity. The restaurant reiterated its mission of bringing people together through the love of Mediterranean cuisine and hospitality.
This is not the first time Miriam has been targeted, as a previous incident occurred at their Manhattan location in 2022. Despite the recent vandalism, owner Rafi Hasid chose to keep the messages visible on the Brooklyn storefront to raise awareness about the prevalence of such acts.
Political figures, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Rep. Ritchie Torres, voiced their support for Miriam and the Jewish community, condemning the antisemitic nature of the attack. Schumer visited the restaurant to show solidarity and emphasized that hate has no place in New York City.
The NYPD confirmed that no arrests have been made yet, and the investigation is ongoing under the purview of the Hate Crimes Task Force. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of combating antisemitism and promoting tolerance and respect in diverse communities.
