The owner of the famous 2nd Ave Deli in New York City, Jeremy Lebewohl, expressed his fear and concern after his Jewish eatery was vandalized with a swastika. Lebewohl, whose family had fled Europe after the Holocaust, was shocked, upset, and saddened by the incident. He stated that such acts of antisemitism are becoming more prevalent, even in a country like America. Lebewohl expressed his fear for the future and the rise of scary events not only in New York City but also around the world.
According to the New York City Police Department, they received a report of the vandalism and are investigating the incident. The approximate damage caused is estimated at $500, and there have been no reported injuries or arrests so far.
The 2nd Ave Deli, known for its sandwiches and Jewish cuisine, has been posting pro-Israel content on its Instagram page. They have shown support for Israel in light of the recent conflict with Hamas. In response to the Day of Jihad called by the head of Hamas, the deli donated all its sales to the United Hatzalah of Israel, an emergency medical services organization.
Lebewohl expressed his concern about the rising antisemitism, citing the presence of Hamas flags and chants calling for the murder of Jewish people. He emphasized the need for people to recognize the seriousness of these symbols and the same outrage they feel towards the swastika.
The incident at the 2nd Ave Deli highlights the alarming increase in antisemitic acts and the fear it instills within the Jewish community. As incidents like these continue to occur, it is crucial for society to address and condemn all forms of hatred and discrimination.
