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New York City

Hundreds Rally to Support Queens Kosher Bagel Shop Targeted by Hate

Hundreds of New Yorkers packed into a kosher bagel shop in the Jamaica Estates neighborhood of Queens on Thursday, May 28, transforming an act of antisemitic vandalism into a powerful show of community solidarity. The crowd gathered at Bagels & Co., an Israeli-owned eatery, days after a vandal rampaged outside the storefront. Supporters streamed in and out throughout the afternoon, many stopping to embrace the owner and pose with Israeli flags.

The “foodies united” rally was organized by Daniel Rosen, who founded the nonprofit Impact after the October 7 atrocities, together with Young Israel of Jamaica Estates, Young Israel of Holliswood, Chazaq, and other local groups. “This Islamist tried to hurt this business, and our response as a community is to help this business,” Rosen said. “We want to send a message. This shall not stand. You cannot come into our neighborhood, do terrible things, and then expect us not to have an organized response.” Owner Hila Ashkenazi noted that it was not the first incident at the shop.

The attack itself unfolded in the early hours of Friday, May 22, when a suspect dressed in traditional Muslim garb spent nearly five minutes hurling potted plants, chairs, and tables at the building, causing roughly $800 in damage and shattering eight flower pots before slipping away. No one was injured, and police are investigating the rampage as a possible hate crime. Rabbi Dov Lerner of Young Israel of Jamaica Estates said the turnout revealed the strength of the local community, while Impact CEO Aaron Herman said the gathering was meant to turn fear into action.

(JNS/VFI News)

Father, we stand with the Jewish communities of the diaspora who face rising hatred and intimidation, asking that You surround them with Your protection, that You turn every act of malice into an occasion for unity and courage, that You restrain those who would do harm and bring them to repentance, and that You comfort all who feel afraid with the assurance that You are their refuge and strength. In Yeshua’s Name we pray.