Wave of antisemitism in Melbourne: Greek taverna receives threats after hosting Shabbat dinner

A Greek taverna in Melbourne faced antisemitic threats, including a bomb threat, after hosting a Shabbat dinner in collaboration with the 'Shabbat-Club' initiative. The owners reported the incidents to the police, but no official statement about an investigation has been published. Over ten reservations were canceled. The restaurant intends to continue hosting similar events.

A Greek taverna in Melbourne, Australia, faced a wave of antisemitic reactions and even a bomb threat after hosting a Jewish-Greek Shabbat dinner in collaboration with the 'Shabbat-Club of Australia' initiative. The event took place last Friday at the Mediterranean Greek Tavern in the Elsternwick suburb. Guests wore white, challah bread was placed alongside Greek food, a prayer was held, and a bouzouki band played Greek music. After photos from the event were posted on social media, severe reactions began to arrive, including calls to expel Jews from Australia, slurs like 'baby killers', and a bomb threat. The owners and event organizers reported the incidents to the police, but no official statement from Victoria Police about an investigation has been published. Over ten reservations were canceled during the wave of hate over the past weekend. The organization's founder, Crystal Dias, said the reactions were 'disappointing, disgusting, and shocking'. The restaurant manager, Perry La Greco, made it clear that he does not intend to be deterred by the threats, and that the restaurant intends to continue hosting similar events. The incident joins a series of antisemitic incidents in Melbourne.