Jewish soup kitchen speaks out after repeat attacks

A Jewish soup kitchen that has been vandalised repeatedly fear anti-Semitism is to blame for the frequent attacks on their Caulfield charity.

The director of a Jewish soup kitchen that has been repeatedly hit by vandals fear anti-Semitism is behind the increasing attacks on their property.

The tires of Souper Kitchen’s van in Caulfield were slashed for the third time in just a few months this week.

It’s left the women who dedicate their time to feeding the cities’ vulnerable — including Holocaust survivors, public housing residents and others struggling to afford food — scared to leave the kitchen after dark.

It occurred just months after someone broke into their premises and “destroyed” everything, at a time when they were trying to cope with a fourfold increase in demand.

Director Sarah Bendetsky said it happened on the eve of Yom Kippur, “the holiest day of the year for the Jewish community”.

“It was very, very ugly and we believe it was anti-Semitic,” she said.

“It made us feel very vulnerable.

“The logo on our truck is clearly Jewish.

“This is happening outside my door and I don’t feel comfortable going out sometimes.”

The Souper van. Picture: supplied

This week’s tire slashing was the fifth time their van has been vandalised — the wing mirrors have also been snapped off and their trailer stolen and dumped in two separate incidents earlier this year.

It’s prompted their director to speak out, promising “we’re not going anywhere”.

“We remember why we’re doing what we’re doing,’ she said.

She was at a loss as to why anyone would want to hinder a charity’s efforts to give back to the community.

“What kind of person would do such a low act?” she said.

Volunteers preparing food. Picture: supplied

“Every fortnight we distribute grocery hampers and meals to vulnerable groups, about 350 people from about 35 suburbs in Melbourne.

“We distributed (packs) to people’s doors to avoid feelings of shame.

“It’s been crazy busy, we’ve experienced a four and a half fold increase in requests for help since Covid hit.

“In August, we opened the doors of a social enterprise cafe (to) generate profits that fully support our free hamper programs.”

The Herald Sun understands police are not treating the incidents as targeted, but some within the Jewish community believe otherwise.

Knives were used to break open the door in September and left all over their cafe after the break in. Picture: supplied

Knives were used to break open the door. Picture: supplied

Anti-Defamation Commission Chairman Dr Dvir Abramovich, who has repeatedly called out the rise of anti-Semitism throughout the pandemic, said it was “no wonder the owners are on edge”.

“While we can’t be a 100 per cent certain of what motivated this individual, when a Jewish charity is repeatedly targeted in such a violent way, it begins to look like a textbook anti-Semitic attack,” he said.

“These kinds of crimes have no place in society, our city and our state.

“The ADC stands with Souper Kitchen and the marvellous work they do for the needy and vulnerable.”

He told the Herald Sun online conspiracy theories “blaming Jews for the coronavirus” have fuelled a spike in anti-Semitism.

“We know that anti-Semitism has been rising sharply across the nation,“ he said.

“Victorian Jews must feel safe in the streets and in their businesses, and we trust that Victoria Police will take all necessary measures to bring the perpetrators of these vicious acts to justice.”

Volunteers packing meals. Ms Bendetsky said she couldn’t understand why someone who target a charity. Picture: supplied

Ms Bendetsky said she had also seen a rise in anti-Semitism in Australia, particularly in comparison to her home country of Russia.

“As a child, I grew up in an atmosphere where anti-Semitism was a very known fact,” she said.

“But sadly, whenever I go there these days, at times, I feel more safe over there, which is quite alarming.

“Sometimes people are looking for a scapegoat.

“That’s coming from a very wrong place … we are all members of the same community.

“Let’s help each other.”

A police spokeswoman confirmed they were investigating the incident and said anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

“A Balaclava Road cafe was broken into between 12.30am and 1.30am on Wednesday 15 September,” she said.

“The offender ransacked the premises before fleeing with cash.

“Police are also aware of tyres being slashed in the vicinity.”