Gazala’s: A Symbol of Israeli Druze Pride Faces Vandalism & Controversy on the Upper West Side

Gazala’s: A Symbol of Israeli Druze Pride Faces Vandalism & Controversy on the Upper West Side

Edited by: TJVNews.com

Gazala’s, a popular restaurant located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, has become a focal point for controversy and vandalism due to its proud display of support for Israel, as was reported by the New York Post.  Owned by Gazala Halabi, a member of Israel’s patriotic Druze community, the restaurant has faced multiple instances of vandalism, leaving the owner uneasy about welcoming patrons.

Gazala’s has experienced repeated acts of vandalism, with the most recent incident involving the scrawling of “Free Palestine” in the restaurant’s bathroom. According to the report in the Post, this marks the second time the eatery has been targeted with graffiti. The earlier incident saw the front door shattered amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas, following the October 7th massacre.

Reflecting on the recent incidents of vandalism, particularly the shattering of her restaurant’s door, Halabi expressed a mix of sadness and anger, as she spoke with the Post, “I was so sad and angry — and then when it happened to me, it made me even more angry. Who has the right? What, are you going to free Palestine from here?” she questioned, grappling with the senseless acts of aggression directed towards her establishment.

Gazala Halabi hails from Daliat El Carmel, a village near Haifa with a significant Druze population. As was mentioned in the Post report, the Druze are followers of an ancient religion, and their descendants are mainly found in Israel, Syria, and Egypt. Globally, there are approximately 800,000 Druze, with 150,000 residing in Israel. Notably, Israeli Druze are known for their deep patriotism and active participation in the Israeli army.

Gazala’s, since its establishment in 2007, has been a culinary ambassador for Israeli Druze cuisine, showcasing traditional dishes such as hummus, signature bourekas, and mankosha. The Post report said that the restaurant proudly displays both Israeli and Druze flags at its entrance, reflecting the rich cultural heritage it represents.

As anti-Israel protests unfurl near the Natural History Museum, some protesters find themselves dining in Gazala’s neighborhood, raising concerns for Halabi and her team. The overt support for Israel at Gazala’s has led to some patrons, particularly Palestinian supporters, expressing their discontent. Some have reportedly walked out upon spotting the flags or upon realizing that Israel is listed on the Middle East map in the menu, according to the Post report.  Gazala Halabi recounts an incident where a couple verbally attacked a waiter, proclaiming, “Tell your owner that Israel has no right to exist!” Halabi expressed her disbelief, questioning if these patrons failed to notice the Israeli flag upon entering the establishment, the report added.

The heightened regional tensions, particularly triggered by the October 7th massacre perpetrated by Hamas terrorists, have spilled over into Gazala’s. The Post report said that Halabi described the vandalism as a violation akin to someone entering her home. She vehemently rejected the intrusion of regional hatred into her restaurant, urging those with grievances to direct their efforts toward conflict zones rather than disrupting the peace in her establishment.

Halabi’s primary concern amidst the protests is the safety and well-being of her employees. She fears that the heightened tensions might unsettle her staff, potentially leading to resignations, as was indicated in the Post report. However, her worries are somewhat allayed as her employees exhibit resilience and solidarity. Some have even chosen to wear yellow ribbons, symbolizing their support for bringing the Israeli hostages home. The report in the Post said that despite this display of unity, Halabi remains vigilant, acknowledging the lingering apprehension among her team members. “I still worry because I see that they are worried,” she reflected, highlighting the underlying tension simmering within the restaurant.

As conversations surrounding the ongoing conflict in Israel permeate the restaurant’s ambiance, Halabi shared her sentiments regarding the war. The Post reported that while expressing empathy for civilians caught in the crossfire, she staunchly defended Israel’s right to protect itself. “Israel will do what it needs to do to protect their country like any other country,” she asserted, echoing the sentiments of many Israelis amidst the tumultuous events. Halabi emphasized the imperative of bringing home all hostages, and explained  the gravity of the situation. “I’m wondering what other countries would do if terrorists came and killed and kidnapped their people, including babies and children. The world needs to understand that,” she told the Post.

Halabi’s connection to the recent events in Israel is deeply personal. During the terror attack on Oct. 7, she was in Israel visiting family, experiencing firsthand the chaos and uncertainty that gripped the nation. “The whole country was going crazy. It felt like September 11 all over again. You couldn’t think. I was in shock, like the rest of the country,” she recalled to the Post, painting a vivid picture of the turmoil that engulfed Israel during those tumultuous days. Despite the upheaval, members of her Druze community wasted no time in mobilizing to volunteer to defend their homeland in the face of adversity.

Social media campaigns urging patrons to support the restaurant have gained traction, with individuals like Joanne Malino making a conscious effort to show their solidarity, the Post reported.  “We live in such a crazy world. I try to do the little things I can whenever I can,” Malino remarked, exemplifying the power of small acts of kindness in fostering unity within the community.

Speaking to the Post, Maxine Dovere, executive director of Friends of OHR, noted the significance of this display, highlighting the courage it takes for Halabi to proudly showcase her heritage in public view. “She works nonstop, preparing the food and running the restaurant. The food is amazing. The recipes are hers, as is the hands-on preparation,” Dovere affirmed, as she emphasized Halabi’s unwavering dedication to her craft and her community.

As Gazala’s navigates through the tumult of regional tensions, Halabi remains steadfast in her commitment to her restaurant and community, the Post report said. With resilience and solidarity, she endeavors to weather the storm, offering a beacon of hope amidst the chaos. As patrons gather in Gazala’s to savor the flavors of Israeli Druze cuisine, they also partake in a broader narrative of unity, and defiance in the face of adversity, the report added.