Victoria Police maintain view that Caulfield Burgertory fire was not racially motivated

Victoria Police say their investigation into a fire which destroyed a burger business in Melbourne’s Caulfield last week is ‘well advanced’, and they say it does not appear to be racially motivated.

CCTV footage has captured the shocking moment Caulfield burger shop, Burgertory, was set alight on Friday morning.

Victoria Police say their investigation into a fire which destroyed a burger business in Melbourne’s Caulfield last week is “well advanced”, and they remain of the view that it does not appear to be racially motivated.

The Jordanian-born owner of the Burgertory chain, Hash Tayeh, maintains that the torching of his business was the “culmination” of threats he received as a result of his pro-Palestinian views.

The firebombing of the Burgertory business on Thursday night was used as a pretext by anti-Israel demonstrators to hold a rally on Friday in Caulfield, which has the highest concentration of Jewish residents of any suburb in Australia.

Demonstrators threw rocks, and a synagogue adjacent to the park in which the rally was held had to be evacuated. The gathering occurred despite police issuing a statement on Friday afternoon saying the fire did not appear to have been racially motivated, and despite Mr Tayeh urging protesters via his social platforms not to demonstrate in Caulfield.

On Wednesday, Victoria Police issued an updated statement, saying: “Victoria Police maintains its position that the fire does not appear to be racially motivated and the investigation is well advanced.”

Mr Tayeh, whose chain sold $30m worth of burgers in 2021, responded to questions from The Australian via his lawyer, Moustafa Kheir.

Asked or Mr Tayeh’s response to the latest police statement, and what evidence he had that the fire was racially motivated, Mr Kheir said: “In the lead up to the arson destroying Mr Tayeh’s livelihood, he was the subject of an enormous amount of anger because of his outspoken support of the people of Palestine. Mr Tayeh received an avalanche of threats culminating in the torching of his business.

“One would excuse Mr Tayeh for believing there was a connection between the threats he was receiving and torching of his business. Whilst Mr Tayeh respects the police investigatory process, he is very concerned by the lack of communication and support from police.

“He is yet to be contacted by police despite his continual reach out to them. The investigating police are yet to request the threats made to him despite his lawyers reaching out to them.”

Burgertory owner Hash Tayeh. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Members of the Jewish community had posted negative reviews of the business and accused Mr Tayeh of anti-Semitism, after footage circulated of him leading the chant of, “From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be free” — which refers to the Jordan River and Mediterranean Sea and is viewed by many Israelis as a call for the annihilation of Israel.

A GoFundMe page set up by a man called Omar Sukkar to raise money to rebuild the Caulfield South Burgertory store continues to refer to the fire as a “hate crime.

“Hash Tayeh an Australian-Palestinian has been subjected to a hate crime,” states the page, which has so far raised more than $58,000.

“Burgertory in Caulfield was subjected to an Arson attack today that has left the venue unrecognisable.

“Hash has been a vocal supporter for peace and a ceasefire in Palestine/Israel and has recently been subjected to numerous threats, abuse and harassment.

“As someone that has personally watched Hash support the community and local community groups over the last 15 years it’s time for us to support him back.

“The funds raised will go to helping rebuild the store, cover suppliers/stock, give staff support payments.”

Mr Sukkar did not respond to a request for comment. Asked whether the money was being raised under false pretences given the police position that the fire does not appear to have been racially motivated, Mr Kheir said: “Mr Tayeh did not set up this GoFundMe page. In any event, Mr Tayeh intends on forwarding proceeds of this fundraising to the humanitarian efforts helping the Palestinian families who have been affected.”