Pro-Israel demonstrators have faced acts of anti-Semitism, including vandalism, protests, and online hate, as tensions between Israel and Palestine continue to escalate. Smitten Ice Cream, a Jewish-owned ice cream shop in San Francisco, recently reopened its doors after being vandalized with pro-Palestinian graffiti last month. The owner, Robyn Sue Fisher, expressed gratitude to the community for their support during these challenging times.
The incident occurred on October 25, when the ice cream parlor was targeted with “FREE PALESTIEN [sic]” spray-painted on its storefront. The San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) arrived at the scene to find shattered windows. Fisher believes that the attack was motivated by her Jewish identity and has been classified as a hate crime by authorities, who are currently investigating the incident.
Following the attack, Fisher and her employees expressed fear and distress. However, the community rallied behind them, raising over $100,000 through a GoFundMe campaign to help the store reopen in less than a month. To mark the reopening, Fisher introduced a new ice cream flavor called “I Choose Love” and launched an art project called the “Pillar of Love,” where visitors can write positive notes and attach them to an installation.
The incident at Smitten Ice Cream is part of a larger surge in anti-Semitic incidents across the United States. According to a recent survey by the Anti-Defamation League, there were over 830 documented incidents between October 7 and November 7, 2023, averaging nearly 28 incidents per day. This alarming rise in anti-Semitism highlights the need for increased awareness and efforts to combat prejudice.
Smitten Ice Cream has been a beloved part of San Francisco for over a decade, starting from humble beginnings with Fisher selling ice cream out of a Radio Flyer wagon. The shop now has multiple locations in California and Las Vegas. Despite the traumatic experience, Fisher remains resilient and committed to serving joy and love to the community through her ice cream.
Neither Fisher, Smitten Ice Cream, nor the SFPD have provided further comments on the incident. The investigation into the hate crime is ongoing.
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