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This morning, customers of Avner’s bakery in Surry Hills were met with a closed little blue door.
A notice was posted, explaining the closure after enduring two years of antisemitic harassment targeting the bakery and its employees.
“Following the tragic events at Bondi, it has become evident that visibly Jewish spaces and activities can no longer be considered safe in Australia,” the sign stated.
The word “pogrom” describes a violent assault or massacre targeting ethnic and religious minorities, especially Jewish communities.
The attack resulted in the tragic loss of 15 lives, including two rabbis and a Holocaust survivor, with many others injured.
“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.
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.