Popular burger shop burned after owner’s pro-Palestine controversy

A burger store branch owned by a prominent pro-Palestine advocate has been burned in a “suspicious” fire.

A gourmet burger chain outlet whose owner has been a vocal advocate for Palestine has been gutted by a “suspicious” fire in Melbourne's south.

Burgertory’s Caulfield store was severely damaged by the blaze about 4am on Friday, with crews pictured online battling to put out the fire.

In a statement, Victoria Police confirmed no one was inside the store at the time, but said cause of the fire was being treated as suspicious.

Burgertory‘s Caulfield store was severely damaged by the blaze. Picture: Reddit

The blaze is the latest blow to Burgertory founder and owner Hash Tayeh, who stoked controversy over his outspoken position on Palestine.

Mr Tayeh was pictured last month leading chants at a pro-Palestine rally in Melbourne of “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”.

The slogan, calling for freedom from oppression for Palestinians, has been interpreted by some groups as an anti-Semitic rallying cry.

Burgertory founder and owner Hash Tayeh. Picture: Supplied

Following the controversy, the Jordanian-born Palestinian issued an “open letter to my Jewish friends” amid calls to boycott his stores.

In a sit-down interview posted to the Purgatory Instagram, Mr Tayeh addressed what he labelled as the “hate, the attacks, and the criticism”.

The cause of the blaze is being treated as suspicious. Picture: Reddit

“I attended the rally in support of the Palestinian men, women, and children that are being killed and massacred daily,” Mr Tayeh said.

“But, in that plight, I have not forgotten the suffering of the Israeli people on October 7. My all the men, women, and children affected.”

There is no suggestion the fire is linked to Mr Tayeh’s pro-Palestinian views.

Mr Tayeh said he emigrated to Australia in 2007 and opened his first business at age 17. He also owns Melbourne’s EzyMart stores.

Emergency services were called to the site about 4am. Picture: Reddit

Caulfield, located in Melbourne's southeast, is home to a small but prominent Jewish community, the fourth largest in the suburb.

Record executive and promoter Michael Gudinski AM was born and raised in the area to Jewish Russian immigrant parents.

Victoria Police said the Moorabbin Crime Investigation Unit Detectives would handle the investigation of the fire.

“Emergency services were called to the Glenhuntly Road blaze just after 4.15am,” they said.

“There was no one inside at the time.

“The exact cause of the fire is being investigated but is being treated as suspicious at this stage.”

Burgatory or Mr Tayeh have not responded publicly to the reported fire.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV, dashcam footage or any other information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.