Palestinian-Jewish Dining Venue in Germany Targeted for Vandalism

Vandals ransacked an Israeli-Palestinian restaurant in Berlin, shattering glasses and defiling the space with unsavory acts one week after it hosted a Jewish-Muslim brunch event. The owners described their establishment as Kanaan as an "island of peace."

Kanaan, nestled within Prenzlauer Berg district, drew national attention following recent conflicts involving Israel and Hamas due to its message advocating for unity over animosity. Israeli owner Oz Ben David alongside Palestinian co-owner Jalil Dabit have called the restaurant an "island of peace."

The unfortunate incident occurred during the weekend, following a brunch event that aimed at fostering inclusivity and harmony among diverse communities. Seeking support, Ben David and Dabit turned to their patrons for aid on Instagram.

"A week ago we hosted an exceptionally welcoming Jewish-Muslim brunch in Kanaan Berlin," they expressed in a post referencing the restaurant's commitment to hosting various LGBTQ+ events. "We received some online feedback but nothing more."

Accompanying photographs of overturned chairs and spilled wine showcased the aftermath of vandalism, with no reported losses from the attack. Despite this unfortunate event, Ben David and Dabit reiterated their stance to stand strong against threats and hostility.

Kanaan, established in 2015, takes its name from a historical designation before Israel and Palestine's existence. Its slogan, "Make Hummus Not War," embodies the restaurant's core philosophy. The duo revealed that vandals had left faeces on the premises, breaking furniture, and smashing barware in what they refer to as their shared space of unity.

Undeterred by these actions, Ben David plans to travel to the Middle East next month to collaborate with Dabit on projects promoting mutual understanding between Israelis and Palestinians—a goal that has become increasingly challenging amidst recent tensions in Gaza.

Approximately 1,200 individuals lost their lives during Hamas's attacks on Israel on October 7th. Subsequently, Israel initiated a military operation in Gaza, resulting in over 39,000 casualties—primarily civilians—according to the health ministry of Gaza.

Ben David expressed his frustration at promoting peace amidst these ongoing conflicts but remains committed to contributing positively to society and shifting focus away from blame-shifting.

Following this unfortunate event, Kanaan reduced its operating hours for the cleanup and investigation purposes while maintaining their commitment to continue operations. A Berlin police spokesperson confirmed an ongoing inquiry into the incident. The restaurant has successfully surpassed a €15,000 fundraising goal within the first 24 hours, with donations from various parts of Germany supporting their efforts in promoting Israeli-Palestinian coexistence and fostering understanding among young people through political education for tolerance.