In the wake of a tragic mass shooting at a Hanukkah event in Bondi, the Jewish bakery Avner’s in Surry Hills has announced its closure. Owner Ed Halmagyi, a former champion boxer and TV personality, cited escalating threats and antisemitic actions as reasons for shutting down the beloved establishment. “I can take care of myself,” Halmagyi stated, “but I can no longer put my family, staff, and customers at risk.”
Since its opening in late 2023, Avner’s has been a target of antisemitic graffiti, threats, and vandalism. Despite these challenges, Halmagyi, known for his role on Better Homes and Gardens, found meaning in running the bakery. However, the recent violence has forced him to reconsider the safety of his community.
Rising Antisemitism and Community Impact
The closure of Avner’s highlights a disturbing trend of rising antisemitism in Sydney. Halmagyi believes that the bakery’s high profile and public Jewish identity made it a target. “Most Jews are not individually targeted because most of them get on with their lives very quietly,” he explained. “I made a decision to work publicly because I thought it was important to represent the very best that our community has to offer.”
Another Jewish business, Lox In A Box, faced a wave of antisemitic Google reviews following the shooting. Owners Candy Berger and Gaia Lovell expressed their heartbreak over the negative impact on their small business. “It’s so disheartening, where’s our collective humanity?” they questioned in a social media post. Google has since removed the offensive reviews.
A Safe Space in Surry Hills
Halmagyi opened Avner’s with the aim of creating a safe Jewish space outside of Sydney’s eastern suburbs. “If Jewish Australians want to be loved, respected, and included, then you couldn’t set out with an idea that you want to hide yourself away,” he said. The bakery was more than a business; it was a community hub offering a sense of belonging and cultural pride.
Reflecting on his career, Halmagyi shared that running Avner’s provided him with a sense of purpose beyond his television persona. “I needed to do something of value,” he noted. “This absolutely has, and not just for the Jewish community, for Surry Hills as a community.”
Community and Government Responses
The Bondi shooting has prompted calls for stronger gun control measures in Australia. The prime minister has proposed legislation to tighten gun laws, reflecting a national outcry for increased safety. Meanwhile, local authorities and community leaders are working to support victims and address the root causes of antisemitism.
Community helplines have been established to assist those affected by the Bondi Beach incident, offering support and resources to help individuals cope with the trauma. The broader community is urged to stand in solidarity against hate and violence, fostering an environment of inclusion and respect.
Looking Forward: A Call for Unity
The closure of Avner’s serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by minority communities in maintaining cultural spaces amidst rising hostility. As Sydney grapples with the aftermath of the Bondi shooting, there is a renewed call for unity and understanding across all communities.
Halmagyi’s decision to close Avner’s underscores the need for a collective effort to combat antisemitism and ensure the safety of all citizens. As the city moves forward, the hope is for a future where diversity is celebrated and protected.
For those seeking support, Bondi Beach Victim Services and other helplines are available to provide assistance. The community is encouraged to remain vigilant and proactive in fostering an inclusive and safe environment for everyone.
