Jewish bakery forced to shutter after Bondi shooting and years of 'ceaseless antisemitic harassment'
A Sydney Jewish bakery owned by former TV chef Ed Halmagyi has been forced to shut up shop in the wake of the Bondi shooting.
Avner's bakery patrons arrived this morning to find the Surry Hills store's little blue door shut tight.
A printed sign announced it had closed after two years of antisemitic attacks on the store and staff.
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TV presenter, chef, author, photographer, and radio host Ed Halmagyi, known as "Fast Ed", at his closed bakery. Peter Rae
"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," the sign read.
The term "pogrom" refers to a violent attack or massacre of ethnic and religious minorities, particularly Jewish people.
The gunmen accused of carrying out the Bondi Beach terror attack opened fire while a Jewish event was underway.
The attack left 15 innocents dead, including two rabbis and a Holocaust survivor, and injured dozens more.
The Australian Jewish Association shared the news that Avner's bakery has closed its doors. Instagram/@austjewishassociation
"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," the Avner's bakery sign read.
Those threats have allegedly continued in the wake of the Bondi shooting, making it "impossible" to ensure the safety of Avner's staff, families, and customers.
The sign said Avner's bakery had therefore made the heartbreaking decision to close.
The bakery usually operates Tuesday to Saturday between the hours of 6am to 3pm, and Sunday between 7am and 3pm.
It announced on Instagram on Monday that it would not open on Tuesday as staff tried to make sense of the senseless violence carried out at Bondi on Sunday.
READ MORE: How the Bondi Beach terror attack unfolded
The beloved Surry Hills institution had faced years of antisemitic harassment, vandalism and intimidation. Instagram/@austjewishassociation
The post hinted that Avner's may remain shut "a little longer", but did not suggest any plans to close down permanently.
9news.com.au has contacted Avner's bakery for comment.
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