Queens halal restaurant faces backlash over Netanyahu, Biden photos
Halal eatery scrutinised for anti-Israel, anti-US imagery
A halal restaurant in Queens is under scrutiny for displaying photos of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Biden on the sidewalk outside the establishment. The restaurant owner, however, seems unfazed by the criticism. Pro-Zionist group Betar USA has urged the mayor’s office to remove these images, deeming them “anti-Semitic and anti-American materials” on public property.
The photos, described as worn out after months, also label Israeli and American leaders as war criminals. The restaurant’s interior floor features similar images, including those of Israel’s Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, former President Donald Trump, ex-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams, and others perceived as supportive of Israel.
Betar spokesperson Meredith Weiss called for immediate removal of the posters, accusing the restaurant owner of a cheap publicity stunt meant to spread hatred against Jews and America. Weiss urged leaders to rise above divisive rhetoric and act responsibly. In a letter to City Hall, Betar argued that the city has become increasingly hostile towards the Jewish community, with authorities seemingly ignoring acts of violence and hatred.
🧵— King of Falafel in Astoria Queens — finally. A restaurant that knows how to use the First Amendment.
On the floor, you step on genociders… pic.twitter.com/GXLIjTIVMc
— Sam Husseini (@samhusseini) September 22, 2024
Queens rabbi David Aglaze condemned the imagery as “inappropriate” and an incitement to hate, describing it as a demonstration of insensitivity and a potential spark for violence. He stressed that such actions divide the community and foster hatred.
Restaurant owner Fares “Freddy” Paideia, who serves Palestinian street food, defended the display, insisting it is not antisemitic. He argued that he targets leaders across the spectrum, including Saudi Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, for their perceived friendliness towards Israel. Paideia claimed his protest is an equal-opportunity one that supports a two-state solution and does not harm anyone.
The restaurant’s interior also features a mural depicting the Gaza conflict, showing bombs destroying buildings and killing civilians, including journalists and children. Paideia, known for his provocative actions, mentioned a past incident where he faced backlash for displaying photos of Saudi and UAE leaders on social distancing decals.
His actions have found support from some, including Jordanian-Palestinian writer and activist Sam Husseini and a Halal Instagram account, both of whom praised the protest.
City officials said the Department of Transportation is investigating the matter. A spokesperson for Mayor Adams stated that the mayor stands against all forms of hate speech and discrimination. Paideia indicated he would not oppose the removal of the images if city officials decided to take them down, noting he still has similar displays inside the restaurant.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Newstral reports that King of Falafel and Shawarma in NYC faces backlash over its anti-Israel sidewalk display, while the owner remains defiant against criticism. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why is The King of Falafel and Shawarma facing criticism?
The restaurant has photos of political leaders on the sidewalk, including Netanyahu and Biden, which some see as anti-Semitic and anti-American.
Who is calling for the removal of the images at the restaurant?
Pro-Zionist organization Betar USA wants the mayor’s office to remove the images.
What is the restaurant owner’s defense regarding the images?
Owner Fares Paideia says the display targets various leaders, not just Jewish ones, and supports a two-state solution.
How has the public reacted to the restaurant’s display?
Reactions are mixed; some see it as hate speech, while others, including activists, support the protest.
Will the restaurant remove the images if asked by the city?
Owner Fares Paideia said he won’t fight it if city officials want to remove the images from the sidewalk.
