'From river to sea': Palestinian diner in New York faces flak for anti-Semitic menu

A recent addition to New York City’s dining scene, Ayat, a Palestinian restaurant with existing locations, has stirred up controversy by adding anti-Semitic phrases in its menu phrasing and decor.

The use of the phrase ‘from the river, to the sea’ and the declaration ‘down with the occupation’ has sparked backlash, particularly in the heavily-Jewish area of Ditmas Park, Brooklyn.

The Anti-Defamation League has labeled the chant ‘from the river to the sea’ as an anti-Semitic call for ‘Israel’s destruction through violent means.’ Despite this, Ayat’s owners, Ayat Masoud and Abdul Elenani, claim that the phrase is intended to convey freedom and rights for the Palestinian people in the region.

Elenani, responding to criticism on Facebook, emphasised their positive relationships with Jewish neighbors and colleagues, asserting that their stance is against a particular mindset rather than aimed at Jewish people.

The restaurant’s decor prominently features Palestinian symbols, and images inside depict what seems to be contentious scenes related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

While Ayat’s owners assert their commitment to advocating for peace and highlighting the Palestinian occupation, some residents feel the restaurant is deliberately provoking controversy. Ditmas Park resident Dahlia Scheitzer drew an analogy, stating it’s akin to a Southern food restaurant displaying the Confederate flag.

The affluent Ditmas Park, known for its significant Jewish population, has mirrored wider reactions in the U.S. amid the Middle East crisis, where businesses face backlash for expressing or avoiding opinions on the conflict. Ayat, too, experienced negative online reviews following Hamas’ attack.

Tensions over the Gaza conflict have led to protests at public events, including disruptions at the Thanksgiving Parade in New York City. Activist groups connecting the crisis to broader issues like climate change have faced both support and opposition.

Christmas Day saw further protests in Manhattan, escalating to clashes and prompting the NYPD to implement a ‘Level Three’ mobilization. Officers faced attacks during the protests, where demonstrators chanted slogans related to the intifada. The protests extended to the homes of Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.

The ongoing turmoil highlights the challenging task of navigating political stances in public spaces, where even festive events become platforms for expressing dissent.