A Kosher-Isreali cafe on the Upper West Side was vandalized over the weekend.

The NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force is investigating the matter.

What You Need To Know

  • A Kosher-Isreali cafe on the Upper West Side was vandalized over the weekend

  • Customers have flooded the restaurant in a show of support

  • When looking at January and February’s NYPD Hate Crimes data, antisemitic attacks account for about 65% of all reported hate crimes

Early Sunday morning, Ben Zara, the manager of Effy’s Café, arrived to work to find red paint splattered on the exterior and messages written on the sidewalk including: “Form line here to support genocide” and "Free Gaza."

“When I first saw it, I was shocked and I couldn’t breathe a word. I was terrified,” Zara said. “Yesterday, 7:30 am we saw it, but only this morning around 9 a.m., 9 to 10 a.m., they were able to get rid of it.”

Cleaning materials were still on the sidewalk Monday afternoon after community members gathered together to erase the hate splattered on the outside of the restaurant.

With remnants of red paint still on the premises, customers flooded the restaurant in a show of support.

“When I read in the local news what had happened, I decided to join some friends and come here to support this place,” said customer Dr. Rochelle Saidel.

“All the seats are filled and I’m happy,” said customer Elizabeth Arcuri.

As of Sunday, NYPD data shows hate crimes are up roughly 4% when compared to the same time last year.

The breakdown of demographics has not yet been released.

But when looking at January and February’s data, antisemitic attacks account for about 65% of all reported hate crimes.

“Regardless of what your opinions are about the war in the Middle East or anything else, don’t blame Jews in general, or people in general for what other people do,” said Congressman Jerold Nadler D-12.

Nadler, who represents the district, said he supports a temporary cease-fire.

He was joined by members of the city’s faith community to break bread at the café in a sign of solidarity.

Antisemitic graffiti was also found in Riverside Park.

“This is a place where so many of us call home, and to see our parks and our restaurants defaced was chilling," said Hindy Poupko of the UJA Federation of New York.

Despite the vandalism, several people said it’s only going to strengthen their support.

"Later on, they will realize their attack is causing more business for this business than harm that they intend,” said Faithleader Sheikh Musa Drammeh.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to reach out to Crimestoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.