An ice cream shop in San Francisco, owned by a Jewish owner, was recently vandalized with pro-Palestinian graffiti and broken windows, leading authorities to investigate it as a hate crime. The incident occurred on October 25, 2023, at the flagship ice cream shop of Smitten Ice Cream located in the Mission District. The store’s owner, Robyn Sue Fisher, expressed her concerns about being targeted due to her Jewish identity and shared that the investigation is ongoing.
The San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) responded to the shop’s alarm and discovered shattered windows and the phrase “FREE PALESTIEN [sic]” spray-painted on the shop’s window. Mission Local, a local San Francisco-based outlet, reported the details of the vandalism. Smitten Ice Cream, known for its mission to spread joy, expressed gratitude for the support received from the community amidst the incident.
The shop’s windows and doors were covered in plastic, while broken glass fragments were scattered both inside and outside the shop. Fisher, in a statement, emphasized the inability to comprehend the motives of the unknown individuals responsible for the severe damage caused. The SFPD also acknowledged that the reasons behind the vandalism remain unknown.
The incident occurred against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas war, which has resulted in a significant rise in anti-Semitic attacks. According to the Anti-Defamation League, nearly 200 anti-Semitic attacks have taken place since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7. The war has claimed the lives of over 9,900 people, with approximately 1,400 Israelis and 8,525 Palestinians reported dead so far.
Robyn Sue Fisher, the owner of Smitten Ice Cream, has been selling ice cream in San Francisco for over a decade. Starting with a Radio Flyer wagon, she has expanded her business to multiple locations in San Francisco, San Jose, and Las Vegas. Fisher expressed her initial fear and deep sadness upon learning about the vandalism but ultimately chose to respond with love.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the vandalism, and the investigation is ongoing. Fisher has not yet provided any further comment on the incident.
