Jewish bakery in Sydney vandalized with antisemitic graffiti amid tensions

A popular bakery in Surry Hills, Sydney, owned by Jewish TV chef Ed Almagor, was defaced with antisemitic graffiti sparking concerns within the local Jewish community.

Avner Bakery, located on Bourke Street, was targeted on Saturday with the word “Beware” and an inverted red triangle spray-painted on its window. A threatening note reading “Be careful” was also left for the owner.

Ed Almagor, a well-known figure in Australia’s culinary scene, revealed the shocking attack on social media, stating, “Being Jewish in Sydney, 2024 edition. This note was shoved under the door of our bakery last night,” according to media reports.

He further commented, “But the fact is, it’s hard to be intimidated by inner-city middle-class Cosplay radicals who graduated primary school without their pen license,” The Guardian reported.

Attacked on Yom Kippur 

Avner Bakery, which is famous for its bagels, matzah balls, babka, and other Israeli and Eastern European delicacies, has long been a favorite spot in Surry Hills. However, the vandalism, which took place on Yom Kippur, has alarmed the Jewish community, reflecting what Almagor describes as the “current climate for Jews in Sydney.”

Almagor, who spent 20 years on the Better Homes and Gardens TV program before stepping away last year, drew historical parallels in his remarks, stating, “In the 1930s across Europe, Jewish businesses were targeted with graffiti,” according to The Epoch Times. He added, “The Free Palestine movement has unleashed a torrent of anti-Jewish hate,” and questioned, “What is happening to Australia?”

New South Wales Police are investigating the incident and have visited the Bourke Street premises. Authorities were alerted to the offensive graffiti and threats on Sunday afternoon. According to a police statement, “a man also received a written note containing an alleged threat when he arrived at the business the same morning.” Investigators are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.

The attack comes amid heightened global tensions following Hamas’s attack on Israel.

Almagor said the vandalism at his bakery reflects a wider issue of rising antisemitism in Sydney, highlighting the urgency of addressing the growing hostility against the Jewish community.