UWS café targeted with anti-Israeli vandalism

NEW YORK (PIX11) — A Manhattan bistro with Israeli roots was vandalized over the weekend with graffiti.

Community members were calling it a hate crime and showed up in big numbers Monday to support the restaurant from morning till night.

Mondays are typically slow for manager Ben Zara at Effi's Kosher Cafe. But this wasn't a normal Monday. It was slammed with supporters. She was so busy running the Upper West Side eatery herself that community members got to work waiting tables, too.

"Even people from out of New York and Israel calling me and extending support for us," Zara said.

The outpouring comes after what some are calling an act of hate, targeting its Jewish owner.

The modest cafe was drenched in dripping red paint and graffiti on the ground saying "Free Gaza."

"The words said, 'Form a line to support genocide,' where the line always happens on Sunday," Zara said. "I was terrified. I was so scared."

Faint remnants of the vandalism remained - despite volunteers working to scrub off the words and the paint.

"I'm trying to run a business where I put politics aside. I love everyone," said Efi Alkoby, who grew up in Israel. He's owned the hot spot for over two decades and was out of town when it happened.

"It's definitely a hate crime. Definitely hate crime," Alkoby said.

However, the NYPD hasn't ruled it that way, and a spokesperson cautioned that it could be considered a political statement.

Jewish and Muslim community members condemned the act and called for accountability.

"We call on everyone to support the governor's legislation to make graffiti a hate crime," said Hindy Poupko of the United Jewish Federation. 

"No small business should be victimized because it's owned by Jews," Rep. Jerry Nadler, who represents Manhattan, said.

"As a Muslim, I need to be here because we know the beginning is anti-Semitism, and that is not the end," said Sheikh Musa Drammeh.

Anti-Semitism has shot up 50% so far this year compared to last, according to the NYPD. The Hate Crimes Task Force hasn't yet decided if this was a biased crime.