Over the past week, Jewish and Israeli-owned eateries in both Athens and Melbourne have been violently targeted, revealing a growing and alarming trend of antisemitic attacks against public-facing establishments connected to Jewish identity or Israeli culture. These latest incidents are part of a broader global surge in antisemitic harassment and violence, fueled in part by the ongoing conflict in Gaza and rising extremist rhetoric.
Athens: Kosher Restaurant Defaced with Antisemitic Graffiti
On July 12, 2025, King David Burger, a newly opened kosher-certified Israeli-owned restaurant in Athens, was vandalized by six masked individuals. The attackers burst into the restaurant, throwing antisemitic flyers at patrons and staff while spray-painting threats across walls and counters. Slogans included “No Zionist is safe here,” “Smash Zionism, fascism, colonialism,” and inflammatory accusations against Israel.
The restaurant had opened only six weeks earlier and quickly became a symbol of Jewish presence and hospitality in Athens. While the attack lasted only moments, it left behind significant property damage and a shaken staff. Local authorities have classified the incident as a hate crime and are investigating the perpetrators’ ties to extremist groups.
The Israeli embassy has been in contact with Greek officials, and community leaders have called for increased police presence and security measures to prevent future incidents.
Melbourne: Israeli-Owned Miznon Targeted by Protesters
Just days earlier, on July 4, 2025, during a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Melbourne, a violent group of masked protesters stormed Miznon, an Israeli-owned restaurant located on Hardware Lane. Protesters shouted slogans such as “Death to the IDF,” hurled furniture, shattered glass, and threw food throughout the dining area in a calculated attempt to intimidate and disrupt.
That same evening, an arson attempt was made at the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation synagogue during Shabbat services. Around 20 congregants were safely evacuated after a fire was set at the entrance of the building. The two incidents occurred within minutes of each other, sending shockwaves through the local Jewish community.
While Miznon’s Melbourne branch is not kosher, the restaurant brand itself is internationally recognized and deeply associated with modern Israeli street food culture. Miznon operates kosher-certified locations in New York City, New Jersey, Panama, and Israel. Its Israeli founder, renowned chef Eyal Shani, has built a global following by celebrating the flavors and vibrancy of Tel Aviv-style cuisine. This connection to Israel appears to have made the Melbourne location a target, regardless of its local kosher status.
The Melbourne incident has prompted strong reactions from community leaders, law enforcement, and politicians. Police have launched multiple investigations, and the Victorian government has established an anti-hate taskforce aimed at reviewing legal protections for religious communities, public spaces, and businesses that may be vulnerable to targeted attacks.
A Global Pattern of Targeting Jewish and Israeli Spaces
The Athens and Melbourne attacks are not isolated. Since October 2023, there has been a marked rise in antisemitic violence globally. Kosher restaurants, synagogues, and Jewish community centers across Europe, North America, and Australia have been targeted by extremists under the pretext of political protest.
In Melbourne alone, over 2,000 antisemitic incidents were recorded in the past year, quadrupling the number from the previous year. These included multiple cases of vandalism, threats, arson, and harassment directed at visibly Jewish institutions and businesses. Earlier attacks in 2024, including the firebombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea, have been officially classified as acts of terrorism.
While public protests and free speech are protected democratic rights, the weaponization of political anger into acts of physical violence against Jewish establishments poses a clear and present danger to safety, civil society, and pluralism.
Calls for Action and Greater Protection
In both Greece and Australia, community leaders and government officials have condemned the attacks. The response has included promises of increased security funding, expanded surveillance for houses of worship and Jewish-owned businesses, and new legal measures to address hate crimes.
In Australia, the federal government is also considering reforms such as tying university funding to antisemitism prevention programs and implementing visa screenings to identify individuals promoting extremist ideologies.
Meanwhile, Jewish communities worldwide continue to call for:
- Greater police presence near Jewish neighborhoods, businesses, and cultural sites
- More rapid and public classification of these attacks as hate crimes
- Education campaigns to combat antisemitism in schools and public institutions
- Stronger public statements of solidarity from elected officials and civic leaders
