A kosher "King David Burger" restaurant in Athens faced a coordinated antisemitic attack on Saturday when six masked pro-Palestinian activists stormed the establishment owned by Israeli businessman Tzvi Levinson.
The attackers sprayed threatening messages, including "Smash Zionism" and "No Zionist is safe here," across the restaurant's counter and walls using red and black paint, while terrified Greek employees watched helplessly.
"We remain in shock from yesterday's events," Levinson told Israel Hayom. "This kosher restaurant opened just six weeks ago and has been operating successfully. Yesterday, pro-Palestinian anarchists suddenly descended on the establishment. While I was in Israel, I immediately connected online with our frightened staff.
"The restaurant displays kosher certification, clearly identifying it with Israel. These vandals completed their destruction within seconds, making intervention impossible. They defaced walls, pillars, and tables while distributing hundreds of anti-Israel flyers claiming, 'You are killing babies.' When one employee attempted to leave, they threatened him, saying 'If you come out, it's over for you."
Levinson emphasized that "the targeted employees are Greek nationals. My sole Israeli staff member arrived after the incident concluded. A local police station operates near our restaurant. Greek authorities launched an investigation, with hate crimes specialists joining the inquiry. The Israeli embassy maintains contact regarding these events and coordinates with police to ensure full prosecution of the perpetrators."
Addressing future security concerns, Levinson noted, "The overwhelming support from Israelis residing in Athens provided tremendous encouragement. They arrived to demonstrate solidarity, singing 'Am Yisrael Chai' and boosting their morale. I hope Athens's mayor will meet with me while the embassy continues its intervention. Municipal leadership must address this situation seriously. Hebrew dominates conversation throughout this Athens neighborhood. Over 5,000 Israelis visit daily. Losing this Israeli presence would be tragic. Without proper governmental response, the situation will deteriorate significantly."
