Ed Halmagyi closes doors to Surry Hills Jewish bakery Avner’s in wake of Bondi terrorist attack
A Jewish bagel shop run by celebrity chef Ed Halmagyi has closed “after two years of almost ceaseless antisemitic harassment” in the wake of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack.
The mass shooting on Sunday targeted the Jewish community and claimed the lives of 15 innocent people who were celebrating at Chanukah by the Sea.
In a notice stuck to the front door of Avner’s Bakery in Sydney’s Surry Hills, Halmagyi told patrons the business’ doors would be permanently closing.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“The world has changed. Our world has changed,” he wrote.
“In the wake of the pogrom at Bondi, one thing has become clear - it is no longer possible to make outwardly, publicly, proudly Jewish places and events safe in Australia.
“After two years of almost ceaseless antisemitic harassment, vandalism, and intimidation directed at our little bakery, we have to be realistic about the threats that exist going forwards.”
Halmagyi, who is also known as “Fast Ed” and appeared on Seven’s Better Homes and Gardens program for 20 years, said he is unable to ensure the safety of staff, customers and families.
“So we have made the only decision available, one that truly breaks our hearts. AVNER’S IS CLOSED.”
“We are so grateful to everyone with whom we have been able to form a community, and for the love we have been given,” he wrote.
The announcement comes just days after the bakery shared on social media that it would be closed on Tuesday and “possibly for a little longer” as they tried to make sense of the “awful and mindless violence”.
“Nothing is more important than the safety and wellbeing of our families, staff, and all of you, so we need a little time to process what’s happened and to make sure we’ve done everything possible to guarantee security,” the post shared on Monday read.
Avner’s was vandalised in October last year with two upside-down red triangles painted on the front windows. While the symbol was initially used by nazis to mark Jewish people in concentration camps, it has more recently been used by terrorist group Hamas.
Halmagyi also found a threatening note that contained the words “be careful” slipped under the door.
“We were very unfortunate in the way that someone decided to vandalise our shop over the weekend. Unfortunately for them, they just don’t realise how strong we are as a community,” Halmagyi said in a video shared on social media at the time.
The Nightly has reached out to Halmagyi for comment.
