Burgertory boss Hash Tayeh accused of inciting hatred against Jews

A pro-Palestine burger boss is facing court accused of inciting hatred against Jewish people after organising a violent counter protest to an anti-Semitism rally and calling on people to “crush Zionism”.

A pro-Palestine burger boss has been accused of inciting hatred against Jewish people after organising a violent counter protest to an anti-Semitism rally.

Hash Tayeh, who founded restaurant chain Burgertory, is being taken to court for alleged breaches of the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act after calling on people to “crush Zionism”.

A “Never Again is Now” rally was planned on the steps of the Victorian Parliament on Sunday, May 19. But the night before, Mr Tayeh took to social media and published a poster that depicted a Nazi stormtrooper crushing the Star of David.

Court documents state the material “incited hatred, serious contempt for, or revulsion and /or ridicule against members of the Jewish race and / or religion”.

Burgertory founder Hash Tayeh is being taken to court for alleged breaches of the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Mr Tayeh included a post where he wrote: “The Zionists have decided to have a pro genocide rally at our usual ending point of Parliament steps. They are trying to oppress us and drive us out … the same way they have tried to oppress is (sic) and drive us out of Palestine.

“We will be at parliament, holding our ground … I do not recommend having your children present for parliament.”

A Jewish complainant, who has not been named for safety reasons, said he intended to attend the Never Again is Now rally with his wife and children but was “very concerned” and scared Mr Tayeh’s “incitement could turn violent”.

“His recommendation to avoid bringing children suggests an intention for violence,” Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) documents state.

“Due to genuine safety and welfare concerns, my wife and children decided not to attend.”

A screenshot of the controversial social media post.

The complainant says “multiple members of the Jewish community were attacked by the group incited by Hash Tayeh” which included “verbal abuse, physical assaults and the surrounding of an elderly disabled Jewish lady in a wheelchair who had her Israeli flag stolen and subsequently set on fire.”

After the clash, Mr Tayeh posted online thanking supporters “from the bottom of my heart.”

“Today was absolutely phenomenal, watching each and every one of you come out together and make this city shake, was absolutely unbelievable,” he wrote.

The court documents, lodged with VCAT last week, state Mr Tayeh caused “fear and harm to the Jewish community … damaged social cohesion and … undermined Australia’s proud multicultural history and inclusive nature.”

Among other things, the complainant wants Mr Tayeh to be fined to compensate Victoria Police for the costs that it incurred as a result of his actions.

After being served with the court documents Mr Tayeh took to social media to vent his frustration.

A Burgertory store on Glen Huntly Rd in Caulfield after it was gutted by fire. Picture: Supplied

“How ironic is it that they are saying I’m breaching human rights,” he said.

“I’m out there calling for the safety of all people. I’m out there advocating for justice, not just for the Palestinians but for all people.

He added: “I feel pretty frustrated and upset because I just keep getting punch punch punch punch from the smear campaigns, from the fire bombings, to the lies being told about me in the media to the different attacks from the keyboard warriors on Twitter. I just keep getting punches thrown at me and I’m sick and tired of it but to be honest with you I actually feel accomplished.

“I feel proud because if they’ve gone to the extent where they are applying for these sorts of application in orders against pro-Palestinian people that means we are making a difference.”

Originally published as Burgertory boss Hash Tayeh accused of inciting hatred against Jews