In the wake of a tragic mass shooting at a Hanukkah event in Bondi, Sydney, the Jewish community is grappling with heightened fears and renewed concerns about safety. Among those affected is Ed Halmagyi, a former champion boxer and television personality, who has decided to close his beloved bakery, Avner’s, located in Surry Hills. The decision comes after enduring a series of antisemitic attacks and threats, culminating in the recent violence.
Halmagyi, known for his role on “Better Homes and Gardens,” opened Avner’s in late 2023 with the aim of creating a safe space for the Jewish community outside of eastern Sydney. Despite facing regular harassment, including graffiti, break-ins, and other forms of vandalism, Halmagyi remained steadfast in his mission to represent the best of his community.
Antisemitic Attacks and Community Impact
The closure of Avner’s is not an isolated incident. The bakery, which became a symbol of resilience, had been targeted with antisemitic graffiti and threats since its inception. Halmagyi believes that the bakery’s high-profile status and its openly Jewish identity made it a target for such attacks.
“I genuinely believe that the combination of our [business] being sufficiently high-profile and publicly Jewish [has led to us] being individually identified and targeted,” Halmagyi stated.
He emphasized the importance of public representation, despite the risks, stating, “I made a decision to work publicly because I thought it was important to represent the very best that our community has to offer.”
Community Reactions and Support
In addition to Avner’s, other Jewish businesses in Sydney have also faced backlash. Lox In A Box, owned by Candy Berger and Gaia Lovell, experienced a wave of antisemitic reviews on Google following the shooting. The owners expressed their heartbreak over the situation, highlighting the damaging impact such actions can have on small businesses.
“Went to bed heartbroken and completely devastated,” a post on their Instagram read. “Antisemitism is not a joke … posting negative antisemitic reviews can really harm a small business like ours.”
In response, Google has taken steps to remove the offensive reviews, but the incident underscores the broader challenges faced by the Jewish community in the area.
The Broader Context of Rising Antisemitism
The Bondi shooting has brought to the forefront the persistent issue of antisemitism in Australia. While the country has long prided itself on multiculturalism and inclusivity, recent events suggest a disturbing trend of increasing hostility towards minority communities.
Experts warn that such incidents could lead to further isolation and fear among Jewish Australians. According to a report by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, antisemitic incidents have been on the rise, with a significant increase in both physical and verbal attacks in recent years.
“The idea that people who are sufficiently well motivated to cause violence, intimidation and the destruction of property and life have many resources other than guns at their hands,” Halmagyi noted, reflecting on the potential for future violence.
Historical Parallels and Future Implications
The experiences of Jewish communities in Australia are not unique. Historical parallels can be drawn to other minority groups worldwide that have faced similar challenges. The rise in antisemitic incidents echoes patterns seen in other countries, where societal tensions have often led to increased discrimination and violence.
As the Jewish community in Sydney and beyond grapples with these challenges, there is a call for stronger measures to combat hate and promote inclusivity. The Australian government has been urged to strengthen laws and policies to protect minority communities and ensure their safety.
Looking Ahead: A Call for Unity and Action
The closure of Avner’s bakery is a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle against antisemitism and the need for collective action. As Sydney’s Jewish community mourns the loss of a cherished establishment, there is a renewed commitment to stand against hate and promote understanding.
For Halmagyi, the decision to close Avner’s was not taken lightly. “I needed to do something of value,” he said, reflecting on his journey from television personality to bakery owner. “This absolutely has [given me meaning], and not just for the Jewish community, for Surry Hills as a community.”
As the community seeks healing and resilience in the face of adversity, there is hope that these events will spark meaningful dialogue and lead to lasting change. The call for unity and action remains strong, as does the determination to ensure that such tragedies do not occur again.
For those affected by the Bondi Beach incident, support is available through various helplines, including Bondi Beach Victim Services and the NSW Mental Health Line.
