Miriam, a cherished Israeli restaurant nestled in the heart of Park Slope, fell victim to a despicable act of vandalism in the early hours of Sunday morning. The New York Police Department (NYPD) is treating the incident as a hate crime, with red paint splattered across the eatery’s windows and door, accompanied by hateful phrases like “genocide cuisine” and “Israel steals culture.” The scene was discovered around 3 a.m., sending shockwaves through the tight-knit community.
The NYPD’s Hate Crime Task Force swiftly launched an investigation, aiming to bring those responsible to justice. As of Sunday afternoon, no arrests had been made, leaving the neighborhood on edge and the restaurant’s patrons in disbelief. The brazen nature of the attack left many wondering about the motives behind such a heinous act.
In response to the vandalism, Miriam took to Instagram to express their resilience, stating, “We refuse to let this darken our spirit. Miriam stands for inclusivity and unity, bringing people together through the shared love of delicious food and warm hospitality.” The restaurant’s commitment to fostering a welcoming environment in the face of adversity struck a chord with the local community.
The incident garnered widespread condemnation from public figures, with Mayor Eric Adams labeling it as “a despicable act of antisemitism.” Brooklyn Councilmember Shahana Hanif pledged her support to the restaurant, working closely with local authorities to ensure justice is served. Comptroller Brad Lander highlighted the thin line between anti-Zionism and antisemitism, emphasizing the need for unity in the face of hate.
Notable figures such as Gov. Kathy Hochul, Councilmember Lincoln Restler, and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, among others, publicly denounced the vandalization of Miriam. State Sen. Chuck Schumer, a longtime patron of the restaurant, made a point to visit the establishment to show his solidarity. The outpouring of support from both officials and community members underscored the significance of Miriam as a cultural hub in Park Slope.
In a show of solidarity, organizations like the Anti-Defamation League of New York and New Jersey and the New York Jewish Community Relations Council extended their support to Miriam. The incident at Miriam raised concerns about the rise of similar acts of vandalism in the city, with previous incidents at the New York Public Library and the Brooklyn Museum’s director’s home serving as stark reminders of the need to combat hate in all its forms.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this hateful act, the resilience and unity displayed by all those involved in supporting Miriam stand as a testament to the power of coming together in the face of adversity. The investigation into the vandalism at Miriam continues, with hopes of restoring peace and justice to the beloved Park Slope restaurant.
