The owners of an Israeli restaurant that was targeted by protesters have broken their silence, detailing the “profound impact” of the incident as police charge more people, including a Footscray woman, over the incident.
The demonstration outside Miznon in Melbourne’s CBD on Friday was one of several incidents targeting Melbourne’s Jewish community in recent days, with protesters smashing a window, upending tables and throwing chairs.
About 20 protesters converged on the restaurant, some chanting “death to the IDF” in reference to the Israel Defence Force.
Police on Tuesday July 8 charged a 50-year-old Richmond man, a 48-year-old Footscray woman and a 28-year-old Essendon woman with assault, affray, riotous behaviour and criminal damage after another person was arrested and then released for hindering police that night.
The restaurant said the actions of a few had caused much distress to customers, patrons and staff in neighbouring restaurants.
“The events on Friday evening had a profound impact on our restaurant and staff,” the owners said in an Instagram post.
“We are a restaurant, a place of hospitality, of warmth and welcome … we respect everyone’s right to their own nationality and religion. We ask for the same.”
The group Whistleblowers, Activists and Communities Alliance has taken responsibility for the protest, saying the venue was chosen because the owner was a spokesperson for an Israeli aid organisation that “weaponised aid”.
“While politicians in so-called Australia clutch their pearls over one meal that was interrupted, we ask people to refocus their attention on Israel’s genocidal reign of terror over the Palestinians,” the group said on Instagram.
Victoria Police has rejected claims its officers were told not to confront the protesters at the restaurant and an independent officer will review the overall response.
A state task force has been announced to tackle hate and examine police powers after a string of incidents including an arson on the East Melbourne Synagogue that forced 20 worshippers inside to flee.
