‘We are losing sight of human beings': Tears, hugs and singing after Miznon clash
'We are not able to see people in front of us as human beings. They always represent something. They're either with me or against me. They belong to that. They belong to this.'
In the days preceding the incident, Miznon had been identified on social media as a target by activists over the links of Israeli co-owner Shahar Segal to controversial Israeli and US-linked charity the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
Talia Sofizade, an Israeli national from the UK, was enjoying a dinner with two other Jewish friends at the restaurant on Friday night when she heard 'All Zionists are terrorists' being shouted over a megaphone.
Sofizade said her first response was anger.
'I just saw red. I could see a lot of people scared,' she said, describing being blockaded in the venue during the attack.
The entire ordeal lasted about half an hour, but as she and other customers sat trapped, Sofizade said, it felt like forever.
'My friend came and hugged me and I just burst into tears and started shaking.'
Sofizade is now back in Israel and said she intended to return to Melbourne to finish her circus arts course in July, but had 'no interest in staying in Australia' and that the incident was her 'tipping point'.
'I feel safer here [in Israel] than I do in Melbourne.'
In footage obtained by this masthead of the immediate aftermath of the incident, diners can be seen singing Jewish songs in solidarity as they return to tables to finish their meals.
At the Shabbat, Nina Sanadze, a friend of Miznon's owners who arrived after hearing of the incident, described a scene of 'resilience' as candles were lit, songs continued to be sung and challah, a ceremonial Jewish bread, was shared.
'People took a symbolic pinch of challah … we were not in the mood to eat. It was more a thing of tradition and … to stand together,' she said.
In his speech, Gal said it was important for him to carry on with the Shabbat, despite what had happened.
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'It's a little bit of a demonstration of perseverance that I think is one of the things that's really needed,' he said. 'For me, Miznon is about spreading love and spreading light through food.'
In another video taken on the night, Miznon manager Nicole expressed her pride in the restaurant staff.
'They are not just incredible chefs, they are not just really good waitresses … they are family,' she said. '[Former staff] come back to visit … they send friends to work with us. We are really happy working [here].'
At the conclusion of Gal's speech, he can be seen lighting two candles and saying a series of blessings to the 'light of the world … the light in human beings and ... the light of justice and peace'. Blessings he said, 'may be more important than ever'.
The staff and diners respond with 'Shabbat shalom' – have a peaceful Shabbat.
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The Advertiser
15 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Accused Israeli restaurant protester remains in custody
A man accused of throwing food, water and chairs during a protest outside an Israeli restaurant will remain in custody for at least another week. Antwany Arnold, 50, applied for bail in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday afternoon after he was charged with affray and throwing a missile over the July 4 incident. Police allege he was among a group of pro-Palestine protesters who converged outside Israeli restaurant Miznon in Melbourne's CBD. Arnold allegedly participated in an anti-Israel chant before throwing food and two dining chairs in the direction of the restaurant. He's also accused of throwing water at a neighbouring restaurant on Hardware Lane. CCTV footage of the Miznon incident was played in court, alongside police body-worn camera footage of another incident in April where Arnold is accused of spitting on a man. It's alleged he was playing offensive chants from a speaker on Bourke Street in Melbourne's CBD when a member of the public told him to turn the audio off. Arnold is accused of then swearing at the man and making threats to kill, before spitting on the alleged victim as the police arrested him. He's also accused of using offensive language towards officers during the arrest. The court was told Arnold was bailed over the Bourke Street incident, with a condition to not enter the Melbourne CBD. It's alleged he breached those bail conditions during the Miznon incident and on another occasion in July when he attended a protest in the city. The prosecutor claimed Arnold's offending at the Israeli restaurant was politically motivated and his decision to protest should not absolve him of criminal responsibility. But defence lawyer Tim Hutton said the protest was not driven by anti-Semitism, rather the group was condemning the actions of Israel's defence force against the Palestinian people. Magistrate Michelle Mykytowycz said the purpose of the protest was separate to her consideration of Arnold's alleged offending and whether he was a risk to the community. Mr Hutton denied Arnold posed an unacceptable risk, telling the court the 50-year-old had attended weekly protests for the past two years without turning to violence. He was also planning to contest the charges so the delays might mean his time in pre-sentence detention could surpass any eventual sentence, the lawyer said. Arnold was also a vulnerable man who was finding his time in custody more difficult, the court was told. Mr Hutton argued a curfew and reporting condition could be added to Arnold's bail to reduce his risk to the community. Ms Mykytowycz said she would need time to re-watch the footage and consider other material before deciding on the application. Arnold will return to court on July 30 for the bail decision. A man accused of throwing food, water and chairs during a protest outside an Israeli restaurant will remain in custody for at least another week. Antwany Arnold, 50, applied for bail in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday afternoon after he was charged with affray and throwing a missile over the July 4 incident. Police allege he was among a group of pro-Palestine protesters who converged outside Israeli restaurant Miznon in Melbourne's CBD. Arnold allegedly participated in an anti-Israel chant before throwing food and two dining chairs in the direction of the restaurant. He's also accused of throwing water at a neighbouring restaurant on Hardware Lane. CCTV footage of the Miznon incident was played in court, alongside police body-worn camera footage of another incident in April where Arnold is accused of spitting on a man. It's alleged he was playing offensive chants from a speaker on Bourke Street in Melbourne's CBD when a member of the public told him to turn the audio off. Arnold is accused of then swearing at the man and making threats to kill, before spitting on the alleged victim as the police arrested him. He's also accused of using offensive language towards officers during the arrest. The court was told Arnold was bailed over the Bourke Street incident, with a condition to not enter the Melbourne CBD. It's alleged he breached those bail conditions during the Miznon incident and on another occasion in July when he attended a protest in the city. The prosecutor claimed Arnold's offending at the Israeli restaurant was politically motivated and his decision to protest should not absolve him of criminal responsibility. But defence lawyer Tim Hutton said the protest was not driven by anti-Semitism, rather the group was condemning the actions of Israel's defence force against the Palestinian people. Magistrate Michelle Mykytowycz said the purpose of the protest was separate to her consideration of Arnold's alleged offending and whether he was a risk to the community. Mr Hutton denied Arnold posed an unacceptable risk, telling the court the 50-year-old had attended weekly protests for the past two years without turning to violence. He was also planning to contest the charges so the delays might mean his time in pre-sentence detention could surpass any eventual sentence, the lawyer said. Arnold was also a vulnerable man who was finding his time in custody more difficult, the court was told. Mr Hutton argued a curfew and reporting condition could be added to Arnold's bail to reduce his risk to the community. Ms Mykytowycz said she would need time to re-watch the footage and consider other material before deciding on the application. Arnold will return to court on July 30 for the bail decision. A man accused of throwing food, water and chairs during a protest outside an Israeli restaurant will remain in custody for at least another week. Antwany Arnold, 50, applied for bail in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday afternoon after he was charged with affray and throwing a missile over the July 4 incident. Police allege he was among a group of pro-Palestine protesters who converged outside Israeli restaurant Miznon in Melbourne's CBD. Arnold allegedly participated in an anti-Israel chant before throwing food and two dining chairs in the direction of the restaurant. He's also accused of throwing water at a neighbouring restaurant on Hardware Lane. CCTV footage of the Miznon incident was played in court, alongside police body-worn camera footage of another incident in April where Arnold is accused of spitting on a man. It's alleged he was playing offensive chants from a speaker on Bourke Street in Melbourne's CBD when a member of the public told him to turn the audio off. Arnold is accused of then swearing at the man and making threats to kill, before spitting on the alleged victim as the police arrested him. He's also accused of using offensive language towards officers during the arrest. The court was told Arnold was bailed over the Bourke Street incident, with a condition to not enter the Melbourne CBD. It's alleged he breached those bail conditions during the Miznon incident and on another occasion in July when he attended a protest in the city. The prosecutor claimed Arnold's offending at the Israeli restaurant was politically motivated and his decision to protest should not absolve him of criminal responsibility. But defence lawyer Tim Hutton said the protest was not driven by anti-Semitism, rather the group was condemning the actions of Israel's defence force against the Palestinian people. Magistrate Michelle Mykytowycz said the purpose of the protest was separate to her consideration of Arnold's alleged offending and whether he was a risk to the community. Mr Hutton denied Arnold posed an unacceptable risk, telling the court the 50-year-old had attended weekly protests for the past two years without turning to violence. He was also planning to contest the charges so the delays might mean his time in pre-sentence detention could surpass any eventual sentence, the lawyer said. Arnold was also a vulnerable man who was finding his time in custody more difficult, the court was told. Mr Hutton argued a curfew and reporting condition could be added to Arnold's bail to reduce his risk to the community. Ms Mykytowycz said she would need time to re-watch the footage and consider other material before deciding on the application. Arnold will return to court on July 30 for the bail decision. A man accused of throwing food, water and chairs during a protest outside an Israeli restaurant will remain in custody for at least another week. Antwany Arnold, 50, applied for bail in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday afternoon after he was charged with affray and throwing a missile over the July 4 incident. Police allege he was among a group of pro-Palestine protesters who converged outside Israeli restaurant Miznon in Melbourne's CBD. Arnold allegedly participated in an anti-Israel chant before throwing food and two dining chairs in the direction of the restaurant. He's also accused of throwing water at a neighbouring restaurant on Hardware Lane. CCTV footage of the Miznon incident was played in court, alongside police body-worn camera footage of another incident in April where Arnold is accused of spitting on a man. It's alleged he was playing offensive chants from a speaker on Bourke Street in Melbourne's CBD when a member of the public told him to turn the audio off. Arnold is accused of then swearing at the man and making threats to kill, before spitting on the alleged victim as the police arrested him. He's also accused of using offensive language towards officers during the arrest. The court was told Arnold was bailed over the Bourke Street incident, with a condition to not enter the Melbourne CBD. It's alleged he breached those bail conditions during the Miznon incident and on another occasion in July when he attended a protest in the city. The prosecutor claimed Arnold's offending at the Israeli restaurant was politically motivated and his decision to protest should not absolve him of criminal responsibility. But defence lawyer Tim Hutton said the protest was not driven by anti-Semitism, rather the group was condemning the actions of Israel's defence force against the Palestinian people. Magistrate Michelle Mykytowycz said the purpose of the protest was separate to her consideration of Arnold's alleged offending and whether he was a risk to the community. Mr Hutton denied Arnold posed an unacceptable risk, telling the court the 50-year-old had attended weekly protests for the past two years without turning to violence. He was also planning to contest the charges so the delays might mean his time in pre-sentence detention could surpass any eventual sentence, the lawyer said. Arnold was also a vulnerable man who was finding his time in custody more difficult, the court was told. Mr Hutton argued a curfew and reporting condition could be added to Arnold's bail to reduce his risk to the community. Ms Mykytowycz said she would need time to re-watch the footage and consider other material before deciding on the application. Arnold will return to court on July 30 for the bail decision.
Perth Now
16 hours ago
- Perth Now
Alleged Miznon protester seeks bail
The alleged actions of a man charged with four offences after an affray outside an Israeli restaurant were not motivated by anti-Semitism, a court has been told. Antwany Arnold, 50, appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court via video link on Wednesday for a second bail application after his first bid was denied earlier in July. Mr Arnold was charged with assault, affray, riotous behaviour and criminal damage after allegedly throwing food and chairs outside Miznon restaurant on Hardware Lane on July 4. CCTV footage shown in court captures a group of protesters chanting 'Death, Death to the IDF' and activating a siren among the outdoor tables. Police allege Mr Arnold knocked a table over and threw a pair of chairs, before having a verbal altercation with a female and throwing a chair in her direction. Mr Arnold has spent 15 days in custody. Vic Pol Credit: Supplied The court was told Mr Arnold was already on bail at the time for an earlier alleged incident, and his previous bail application was refused due to breaching a condition which prohibited him from entering the CBD. 'While police support the right to free speech, the way the accused goes about it is aggressive, violent, confrontational, and against community standards,' Detective Senior Constable Daniel Sanderson said. Mr Sanderson said Mr Arnold represented an unacceptable risk as he showed a 'complete disregard for court imposed bail'. Tim Hutton, acting for Mr Arnold, said elements of the alleged offending had been 'unfairly exaggerated' by police in their summary. The court was told Mr Arnold was a 'familiar face' in the pro-Palestine movement, with a group of supporters present in court and online. CCTV shown to the court captured protesters outside Miznon restaurant. NewsWire / Nadir Kinani Credit: News Corp Australia Chloe Campbell, who knows Mr Arnold from their involvement in protests, gave evidence she had never seen Mr Arnold act or behave violently. 'He's always been a joy to see when we see them at the rallies,' she said. Mr Hutton said Mr Arnold's long history of peaceful involvement in the protest movement signalled the alleged offending was 'not the norm' and was not motivated by a hatred of Jewish people. 'It's proposed the offending has been driven by anti-Semitism, I oppose this as strongly as possible,' Mr Hutton said. 'It is the most passionate condemnation of an organisation, the IDF, it is a condemnation of the atrocities and war crimes they've committed. 'That chant is not specifically calling for the murder of individual IDF soldiers but calling for the end of that organisation.' Mr Arnold's supporters leave Melbourne Magistrates Court. NewsWire / Diego Fedele Credit: News Corp Australia Prosecutor Alex Turner said police allege the offending was politically motivated and the community's safety was being compromised by the actions of Mr Arnold. 'Politically motivated offending is rife in the community currently,' he said. Magistrate Michelle Mykytowycz rejected the claim there was no intention of violence in the alleged offending. 'In the circumstances I have to say I completely disagree with that,' she said. 'Regardless of the purpose of the protest … I have to consider the allegations of Mr Arnold's behaviour on that day.' Mr Arnold's lawyer said delays to court proceedings could keep him in custody longer than any possible period of imprisonment that might be imposed. 'Many of these matters are likely to be heading to contest, if he was held in custody that would be an injustice given how significant the delays might be,' the court was told. 'We're looking at January, by that time Mr Arnold would have spent six months in custody, this offending would not warrant a term of imprisonment of that length.' Mr Turner said claiming to be involved in a protest should not absolve a person of criminal responsibility for their actions, submitting that a term of imprisonment would be the 'only course of action'. No decision on bail was reached and Ms Mykytowycz will hand down her decision on July 30.
West Australian
17 hours ago
- West Australian
Alleged Miznon restaurant protester ‘politically motivated' police claim
The alleged actions of a man charged with four offences after an affray outside an Israeli restaurant were not motivated by anti-Semitism, a court has been told. Antwany Arnold, 50, appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court via video link on Wednesday for a second bail application after his first bid was denied earlier in July. Mr Arnold was charged with assault, affray, riotous behaviour and criminal damage after allegedly throwing food and chairs outside Miznon restaurant on Hardware Lane on July 4. CCTV footage shown in court captures a group of protesters chanting 'Death, Death to the IDF' and activating a siren among the outdoor tables. Police allege Mr Arnold knocked a table over and threw a pair of chairs, before having a verbal altercation with a female and throwing a chair in her direction. The court was told Mr Arnold was already on bail at the time for an earlier alleged incident, and his previous bail application was refused due to breaching a condition which prohibited him from entering the CBD. 'While police support the right to free speech, the way the accused goes about it is aggressive, violent, confrontational, and against community standards,' Detective Senior Constable Daniel Sanderson said. Mr Sanderson said Mr Arnold represented an unacceptable risk as he showed a 'complete disregard for court imposed bail'. Tim Hutton, acting for Mr Arnold, said elements of the alleged offending had been 'unfairly exaggerated' by police in their summary. The court was told Mr Arnold was a 'familiar face' in the pro-Palestine movement, with a group of supporters present in court and online. Chloe Campbell, who knows Mr Arnold from their involvement in protests, gave evidence she had never seen Mr Arnold act or behave violently. 'He's always been a joy to see when we see them at the rallies,' she said. Mr Hutton said Mr Arnold's long history of peaceful involvement in the protest movement signalled the alleged offending was 'not the norm' and was not motivated by a hatred of Jewish people. 'It's proposed the offending has been driven by anti-Semitism, I oppose this as strongly as possible,' Mr Hutton said. 'It is the most passionate condemnation of an organisation, the IDF, it is a condemnation of the atrocities and war crimes they've committed. 'That chant is not specifically calling for the murder of individual IDF soldiers but calling for the end of that organisation.' Prosecutor Alex Turner said police allege the offending was politically motivated and the community's safety was being compromised by the actions of Mr Arnold. 'Politically motivated offending is rife in the community currently,' he said. Magistrate Michelle Mykytowycz rejected the claim there was no intention of violence in the alleged offending. 'In the circumstances I have to say I completely disagree with that,' she said. 'Regardless of the purpose of the protest … I have to consider the allegations of Mr Arnold's behaviour on that day.' Mr Arnold's lawyer said delays to court proceedings could keep him in custody longer than any possible period of imprisonment that might be imposed. 'Many of these matters are likely to be heading to contest, if he was held in custody that would be an injustice given how significant the delays might be,' the court was told. 'We're looking at January, by that time Mr Arnold would have spent six months in custody, this offending would not warrant a term of imprisonment of that length.' Mr Turner said claiming to be involved in a protest should not absolve a person of criminal responsibility for their actions, submitting that a term of imprisonment would be the 'only course of action'. No decision on bail was reached and Ms Mykytowycz will hand down her decision on July 30.
