‘Be careful’: Threat left at Jewish bakery owned by celebrity chef
A Jewish bakery owned by TV chef Ed Halmagyi has been attacked with terrorism graffiti and a threatening note left under the door.
NSW
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A Sydney Jewish bakery owned by TV chef Ed Halmagyi has been vandalised with a symbol used by terror group Hamas and a threatening note left under the door in an alleged anti-Semitic incident overnight.
Avner’s Bagelry in Surry Hills was vandalised on Sunday morning with what is known as the Hamas triangle sprayed on its front window, and a printed threat which said simply “Be careful”.
The symbol, called the Abu Obeida triangle, is banned in Germany and has been used by Hamas militants to mark Israeli soldiers and tanks as targets in combat videos.
It has also been used by pro-Palestine activists for both graffiti and at protests.
“Fast Ed”, best known for his role on Better Homes and Gardens for more than two decades, posted a picture of the note on his Instagram account.
“Being Jewish in Sydney, 2024 edition. This note was shoved under the door of our bakery overnight,” Halmagyi wrote.
The walls of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s electorate office and the US consulate in Sydney were painted with the symbol in June.
The Australian Jewish Association said it was appalled by yet another anti anti-Semitic attack.
“The Hamas triangle is used to mark targets for attacks,” the AJA said.
“Every single day in this country, Jews or Jewish businesses are targeted or attacked.”
NSW Police are now investigating the incident.
Halmagyi’s store on Bourke St has only been open for six months, but has gained a cult following for its handmade bagels and New York-style deli.
Customers offered support for Halmagyi following his post.
“Wow, we all need to support each other, not single out people or apply racial discrimination. You are a great asset to the hospitality industry, not to mention the community. I am sure you don’t turn away anyone that walks into your bakery just because,” one person wrote on the bakery’s Instagram account.
Another posted: “Thank you for using your platform to create awareness of what racial minorities experience in modern day Sydney. Continue to stand strong, and may you continue from strength to strength”.
Just days ago, on the anniversary of October 7, Halmagyi posted a message of support to the more than 1,200 people who were killed.
“Victims were Muslim and Christian, Buddhist, atheist and Jewish...Arab, Thai, Canadian, German, Israeli and from more than 40 other nations. May a just peace come soon, so that we all may be redeemed,” he wrote.
Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin said the symbol being painted on Jewish businesses “invokes the darkest days in human history”.
“For a year now there has been a permissive attitude towards boycotts of Jewish businesses and the public display of this and other terrorist symbols and it is entirely predictable that the behaviour has progressed to identifying and targeting specific Jewish businesses,” he said.
“Australians will be appalled by this conduct which is totally at odds with our national values and any standards of decency and tolerance. I hope those responsible are identified and face the full force of the law.”
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Originally published as ‘Be careful’: Threat left at Jewish bakery owned by celebrity chef
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