Avner's Bakery in Surry Hills, Sydney, has closed permanently following the Bondi beach terror attack, with owner Ed Halmagyi stating it can no longer guarantee the safety of staff and customers. The bakery, run by celebrity chef Halmagyi, shut after Sunday's massacre at a Hanukah gathering.
A notice on the window read: 'The world has changed. Our world has changed. In the wake of the pogrom at Bondi one thing has become clear – it is no longer possible to make outwardly, publicly, proudly Jewish places and events safe in Australia.' The message cited two years of 'almost ceaseless antisemitic harassment, vandalism and intimidation' directed at the bakery.
NSW police confirmed they were called to the business on 22 October after reports of threatening phone calls. A 17-year-old boy later attended Surry Hills police station and was dealt with under the Youth Offenders Act. Inquiries are ongoing.
Halmagyi, known as 'Fast Ed' from his 20-year stint on Better Homes and Gardens, has previously detailed antisemitic incidents, including threatening notes and graffiti. In October last year, he shared a note shoved under the door reading 'Be Careful', dismissing it as 'cosplay radicals'.
