In New York City, a number of Israeli-owned restaurants are confronting ongoing harassment linked to their owners’ national identity, prompting some to alter how they present their cuisine to the public. Several restaurateurs report incidents ranging from vandalism to verbal abuse, with some establishments experiencing repeated acts of intimidation since the outbreak of heightened tensions following events in early October.
Gazala Halabi, owner of an eatery on the Upper West Side, recounted a recurring experience of a man spitting on her restaurant’s window. When she confronted him, he cited her Israeli heritage as the reason. Halabi, a Druze chef specializing in traditional recipes passed down through generations, emphasized that such hostilities disregard the diverse background of Israeli identity. Other Israeli restaurant owners have similarly reported broken windows, graffiti, and employee-led boycotts, which have escalated since early October.
The harassment is not confined to physical acts. Many restaurateurs have faced “review bombing” on platforms such as Google and Yelp, intending to damage their reputations. In response, some have chosen to downplay or omit Israeli references on their menus, rebranding their offerings as Mediterranean or Middle Eastern cuisine. Dishes traditionally labeled as Israeli—such as Israeli salad or specific cheese spreads—are instead presented more generically to avoid attracting negative attention. Despite the name changes, the restaurants report sustained patronage, reflecting the popularity of the cuisine’s flavors among New Yorkers.
Several owners view rebranding as a pragmatic measure driven by safety concerns and business viability rather than political statements. One restaurateur who removed Israeli identifiers after repeated vandalism stated, “I need to support my family,” citing threats and harassment as reasons to avoid confrontation.
Conversely, other proprietors have refused to remove Israeli symbols or references from their menus. The owner of Ella’s Café on the Upper East Side described organized boycott campaigns following the October 7 attacks but noted that support from customers has outweighed the detractors. He highlighted instances where patrons, including visitors from other U.S. states, specifically visited to express solidarity.
Alon Kazdan, owner of Stripes Wine Bar near Union Square, reported a 60% decline in sales in the immediate aftermath of October 7, coupled with attempts by patrons to remove the Israeli flag displayed in his establishment. However, he recounted emotional moments with students from New York University who supported his business during this period, affirming his decision to maintain the restaurant’s Israeli identity despite financial setbacks.
Kazdan acknowledged occasional harassment but attributed it to a younger, “opinionated generation” he characterized as lacking thorough understanding of the region’s history and complexities. He pointed out that during his early career in Israel, he worked alongside Muslims and Palestinians without conflict, underscoring the nuanced nature of coexistence.
Halabi remains resolute in her stance, continuing to prepare traditional dishes and affirming, “This is America, and I am free to be who I am. No one else will decide for me. I don’t give in to bullies.”
The situation illustrates broader challenges faced by immigrant businesses in New York City, where political conflicts abroad increasingly influence local interactions and perceptions. While some Israeli restaurateurs opt for cautious rebranding to protect their livelihood, others maintain their cultural identity openly, relying on community support and resilience amid pressure. The evolving dynamics highlight ongoing debates over identity, expression, and safety in the city’s diverse culinary landscape.