2nd Ave Deli vandalized with swastika: ‘Now, people who have hate inside of them feel more confident,’ says co-owner.
NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — The Upper East Side location of 2nd Avenue Deli, one of New York City’s most iconic kosher delis, was vandalized with a swastika Monday — and the restaurant’s co-owner believes the Israel-Hamas war may have fueled the hateful act
“It’s definitely upsetting,” co-owner Jeremy Lebewohol told 1010 WINS’ Marla Diamond Tuesday of the graffitti, which, along with the swastika, read Homeland Security. Israeli Pride.” “It’s upsetting at anytime, of course, but I think now, people who have that hate inside of them feel more confident or stronger in showing that hate.”
Earlier in the day, the 2nd Avenue Deli — which has another location in Kips Bay — posted on Instagram a photo of the graffitti, writing, “Thank you for reminding us that we are on the right side of history. This isn’t just a fight about land. This isn’t just a fight about Israel. This isn’t just a fight with all the Jews of the world. This is a fight of good vs evil.”
The NYPD’s 19th Precinct is investigating the vandalism at the deli, which is located at First Avenue and 75th Street. “I think they will do everything in their power to find out who did this,” Lebewohol said of the police.
He added, “It’s a reminder to every Jew in New York, it’s a reminder to every New Yorker that’s not Jewish of what we have all around us …. we have to go about our lives and not let any of this hate stop us, but it is here.”
