Israeli-owned restaurant targeted with ‘Free Palestine’ graffiti
Popular brasserie in Woodside Park, north London, was spray painted in an apparent antisemitic attack.
A popular brasserie in Woodside Park, north London, has been targeted in an apparent antisemitic graffiti attack.
An entire front window of Michaels Brasserie, was sprayed with slogan “Free Palestine” in yellow and black paint, in an incident that is believed to have been carried out late on Saturday 14 May, or in the early hours of Sunday.
Owner Michael Levi confirmed to Jewish News he was left “hurt and upset” after he spotted the graffiti after arriving at the shop at around 6.30am to bake that day’s bread supplies.
He immediately telephoned police, who arrived at the store within 45 minutes, and officers proceeded to take photographs and a statement from the chef regarding the incident.
Levi said the incident, which was the first he had experienced, had left him feeling “as small as possible.”
He added:”I can’t really get angry with people who choose this path. I just feel ashamed and hurt, and upset. We are just try to live our lives doing the best we can .. and then this.”
Levi, who trained at the world-renowned Le Cordon Bleu, and has worked in top Michelin starred restaurants in London, said the brasserie had no visible sign it was Jewish owned, when it was closed.
Levi revealed he had still to replace the previous mezuzah on the front door, after it broke.
“I will definitely be putting one up now as soon as I can,” said Levi.
The popular restaurant specialises in dishes like shakshuka, chicken and lentils, shawarma, and smoked aubergine.
The Metropolitan Police has been approached for comment.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
