Jewish Bakery Vandalized in Sydney Incident

Ed Halmagyi, a Jewish TV chef and owner of Avner's Bakery in Surry Hills, Sydney, received a threatening note and his bakery was vandalized with anti-Semitic graffiti, including a Nazi symbol associated with Hamas. The note, which simply read 'Be careful', was posted on social media by Halmagyi, who remarked that it reflects 'Being Jewish in Sydney, 2024 edition'. Local police are investigating the incident, which has drawn condemnation from the Australian Jewish Association, highlighting a troubling rise in anti-Semitism since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. Halmagyi, known for his work on Better Homes and Gardens, continues to operate his bakery and has received support from the community. The graffiti and note are part of a broader pattern of targeted anti-Jewish sentiment in Australia, especially following recent geopolitical events. Customers have rallied around Halmagyi, expressing solidarity against hate and discrimination.