Kosher Restaurant in Athens Vandalized by Anti-Israel Protesters

On Saturday, July 12, 2025, King David Burger, a kosher restaurant located at 78 Ermou Street in central Athens, was vandalized by six masked anti-Israel protesters shortly after reopening post-Shabbat at around 10 p.m.

The attackers, described as pro-Palestinian anarchists, stormed the establishment owned by Israeli businessman Tzvi Levinson, spray-painting antisemitic slogans such as “No Zionist is safe here,” “Smash Zionism, fascism, colonialism,” and “Israel Death Forces — rapists, torturers, murderers” on walls and counters using red and black paint.

They also scattered anti-Israel leaflets with messages like “Free Palestine” and “Victory to the Palestinian resistance” at diners and staff, creating an atmosphere of fear.

The restaurant, certified kosher Mehadrin under Rabbi Joel Kaplan of Saloniki, had opened just six weeks prior and was popular among locals and the over 5,000 Israelis who visit the area daily. Levinson, who was in Israel during the incident, connected remotely with his terrified Greek staff, noting that his only Israeli employee arrived after the attack. One employee attempting to leave was threatened with the words, “If you come out, it’s over for you.” The attack, captured on CCTV, was executed rapidly, preventing immediate intervention according to greek city times

Despite a nearby police station, initial reports indicate officers did not act promptly. However, Greek authorities later arrested all six suspects, including the individual responsible for the graffiti, and are investigating the incident as a hate crime. Levinson expressed shock but defiance, stating the restaurant reopened the next day with community support, including Israelis singing “Am Yisrael Chai” in solidarity. He urged Athens’ municipal leadership to address the incident to protect the vibrant Israeli presence in the city, where Hebrew is commonly spoken.

This attack follows a pattern of antisemitic incidents in Athens, including a February 2025 assault on Israeli tourists for speaking Hebrew and a 2023 thwarted Iranian plot targeting a Jewish restaurant.

Source: pagenews.gr