Australian celebrity chef Ed Halmagyi, best known as 'Fast Ed' from Better Homes and Gardens, has spoken publicly for the first time about the painful closure of his Jewish bakery in Sydney, a decision forced by years of antisemitic abuse and intensified by the recent Bondi Beach terror attack.
A Heartbreaking Decision in the Wake of Tragedy
The 50-year-old chef confirmed the permanent shutdown of his Surry Hills bakery, Avner's, just days after the deadly attack at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration in Bondi on December 14. The incident, which saw 15 innocent people killed – including a 10-year-old girl – and 40 injured, marked a devastating turning point. In a note posted on the storefront, Halmagyi stated that it was 'no longer possible to make outwardly, publicly, proudly Jewish places and events safe in Australia.'
The bakery, which opened in 2024, had endured nearly two years of relentless targeting. 'We have been five to six days a week subject to graffiti, vandalism, hate letters, busted windows,' Halmagyi revealed in an interview. He described having to remove stickers accusing Jews of killing babies and telling them to leave the country, even as he sold 1,000 doughnuts for the Festival of Lights.
An Uncertain Future for 'Fast Ed'
In a candid admission to The Daily Telegraph, Halmagyi confessed to being at a 'dead stop' and unsure of his next steps. 'I don't know what's going to happen next,' he said, acknowledging he may have to seek employment after a career of self-employment. 'I love cooking and hospitality, so maybe I have to find a job. I've always worked for myself, so I don't know how that's done.'
Despite the closure, the chef is determined to maintain his connection with the Jewish community. 'I want to do a couple of things immediately. I don't want to lose the traction I've had with engagement with my Jewish community,' he stated, expressing a keenness to explore new ways to stand up for Jewish Australia.
The Escalating Climate of Fear
The decision to close Avner's was framed as a necessary step for safety. The bakery's statement explained that, as an open business operating at all hours, they were 'unable to ensure the safety of our staff, our customers, our families.' Halmagyi admitted he felt 'stupid' for underestimating the building threat, which only became more pressing after the Bondi attack, with threats continuing even in its aftermath.
The terror suspects responsible for the Bondi attack have been named as Naveed Akram, 24, and his father Sajid Akram, 50, who was shot dead at the scene. As of the latest reports, twelve people injured remain in a critical condition, with a further 26 patients being treated across Sydney hospitals.
For Ed Halmagyi, the closure of Avner's represents a profound personal and professional loss, symbolising the chilling effect of persistent hatred on community and culture in contemporary Australia.
