NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Local leaders voiced their condemnation of antisemitism after an Israeli restaurant in Brooklyn was vandalized overnight, prompting an NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force investigation.
Officers responded to Miriam, an Israeli restaurant located at 79 5th Ave. in Park Slope, at about 3 a.m. on Sunday and discovered that red paint had been thrown on the windows alongside statements written in red spray paint, police said.
Photos displaying the vandalism next to owner and chef Rafael Hasid were posted to Instagram by Miriam on Sunday afternoon, and the post describes the words left on the building as “messages of hate.”
“We refuse to let this darken our spirit. Miriam stands for inclusivity and unity and bringing people together through the shared love of delicious food and warm hospitality,” restaurant representatives said.
Miriam in Park Slope is the brand’s flagship store and has been stationed in Brooklyn for nearly two decades. The restaurant website describes the food at Miriam as being “uniquely, distinctly Israeli” with many ingredients coming “straight from Israel.”
“We celebrate the diverse flavors of the Mediterranean, where cultures intertwine and stories are shared,” restaurant representatives said. “We will continue to be a safe place where everyone feels welcome. Join us in spreading love, not hate.”
Mayor Eric Adams addressed the incident on social media, calling the vandalism a “despicable act of antisemitism.”
“As mayor of the city with the largest Jewish population outside of Israel, I am particularly heartbroken by this evil act,” Adams said. “Make no mistake, the NYPD is investigating and will find those responsible.”
Local leaders including Comptroller Brad Lander, Sen. Chuck Schumer, Councilmember Shahana Hanif and Rep. Ritchie Torres were among those who shared their outrage over the vandalism on social media.
Torres personally went to Miriam to stand with solidarity with the restaurant on Sunday and snapped a photo with Hasid.
“Jew-hatred will find no refuge in the City of New York,” the Bronx representative said. “A hate crime against the Jewish community is a hate crime against all of us.”
The Anti-Defamation League of New York and New Jersey said that it has been in contact with Hasid to offer its support, and CEO of the New York Jewish Community Relations Council Mark Treyger met with him as he waited for an order.
“I’m with Miriam’s owner, Rafael, waiting on my order of falafel in a packed house today of neighbors showing solidarity with this wonderful Israeli Restaurant in Brooklyn—where many folks are turning pain into purpose,” Tryger said. “Please continue to show support for Miriam Restaurant.”
There have been no arrests in the vandalism and the investigation is ongoing.