(JEWISH GROUP) Antisemitic vandals hit my Israeli Brooklyn restaurant, Miriam. But I won't be intimidated

[Behind the Aegis]

As the owner and chef of the beloved Brooklyn Israeli restaurant Miriam, this weekend’s vandalism by individuals who hand-painted graffiti reading “GENOCIDE CUISINE” and “ISRAEL STEALS CULTURE” in red paint on our exterior felt like more than just a targeted act of hate — it was a painful reminder of the challenges we face as a society.

When I founded Miriam in 2005, my vision was always about more than just food. As a chef, I see hospitality as an art form — a way to showcase people’s spirits in a warm atmosphere. At Miriam, the spices I use tell stories of heritage; the dishes celebrate diversity; and the atmosphere brings it all together to create something greater than the sum of its parts. This is the essence of hospitality — not just serving food, but creating a space where people feel seen, welcomed and cared for.

Dining is about the magic of shared moments, and Miriam is a place where I hoped people from all walks of life could come together around a table to share stories, savor the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine, and feel at home.

“Home,” for me, means embodying the story of Israeli food. I was born and raised in Petah Tikvah, where I learned that Israel, as a young nation, has been shaped by a medley of cultures, cuisines, and traditions from more than 100 countries across the Mediterranean, Middle East, Europe and beyond. Our food at Miriam is made with the deepest respect for the diverse history, and cultures, that inform the cuisine with which I was raised.

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Good on him for not bowing down to xenophobic, anti-Semitic bigoted shitheels!