Israeli or Jewish restaurants in New York have become accustomed to being targeted for attacks by pro-Palestinian demonstrators since October 7. Last night, it was "Effy's Cafe," a well-established kosher Israeli bistro in the Upper West Side.
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The facade of "Effy's Cafe," named after the Israeli owner, Effy Elcobi, was completely vandalized. Spray-painted on the sidewalk at the entrance were the words: "Please stand in line here to support murder," alongside "Free Gaza." The entrance door itself and the plastic curtains that enclose the restaurant were splattered with red paint, symbolizing blood.
Elcobi, originally from Jerusalem, has been living in the United States for 30 years, but according to him, nothing prepared him for the response in the city after October 7: "I thought there would be some sympathy for Jews after what happened, and that surprised me. I was in shock. People who are usually enlightened suddenly embrace the darkness."
According to Elcobi, the vandalism at the restaurant "feels as painful as a physical blow. My brother has three children in the IDF. It's like a stone in the heart. But I understand that it was a one-time case of kids trying to make their voices heard. Kids who don't know how to simply Google, but try to explain it to them. They're not interested. They're looking for the narrative that blames the Jews."
Since the incident, he has been bombarded with messages and calls—from Israel to Brazil—including from the mayor's office, who want to meet with him and see how they can help. Residents even arrived to assist in cleaning up the place. "The community's response is very empowering. The amount of calls and messages from around the world is overwhelming. This, of course, was not my intention. I'm not seeking this publicity, and I didn't want it to happen, but people want to help, and that's encouraging."
The police have launched an investigation to find those responsible for the vandalism, while the Jewish and Israeli community is rallying to assist—a ritual that has become customary. Many have announced plans to gather at the site during the coming week to show solidarity. "I know where I'll be tomorrow afternoon and evening," said Brianna, who works nearby. Others have urged the owner to leave the place as it is, "so that residents of the neighborhood can feel and experience the shame, and Jewish residents from all over the city will come in droves to eat specifically there."