On Feb. 2, a private charity event organized by the Pali Coalition to raise funds for humanitarian aid to Gaza was disrupted by a Zionist mob in Port Washington, New York. 

The event, which took place at a local family-owned restaurant, was a peaceful gathering focused on education, awareness, and fundraising. It was met with intimidation and harassment from Zionist agitators who claimed the event was “celebrating jihad.”

This is while the dinner was meant to raise funds for the Gaza Soup Kitchen, an organization that feeds thousands of starving Gazans. The restaurant owners had permitted Pali Coalition to use their kitchen space for the private event, and had posted a sign saying it was closed after 4 p.m.

Zionists Gather in Front of the Restaurant

Tensions began to rise when a group of individuals in their early to mid-20s entered the restaurant, initially assuming to be patrons. Shortly after leaving, they began making phone calls and sending texts, as more vehicles arrived on scene. 

By the time guests arrived, approximately 15 to 20 agitators had gathered outside. The Pali Coalition promptly contacted the police, who arrived to speak to those outside.

What began as a small disruption quickly escalated into a full-fledged protest that verbally harassed the guests entering and leaving the restaurant. One of the event organizers, Syed M., testified that the number of agitators swelled to over 200 people. 

A number of agitators began pounding on the restaurant’s windows and shouting inflammatory Zionist rhetoric, including phrases such as “bring the hostages home,” “baby killers,” and “terrorists.”  

Another event organizer, who asked to remain anonymous, testified that she saw the mob “screaming in people’s faces, including small children as they left the restaurant to go home.” 

Despite the united atmosphere inside the event, attendees grew increasingly anxious and feared for their safety. Many hesitated to leave, as the protest outside exhibited a clear intent to intimidate and provoke violence. 

The situation worsened as the mob surrounded the restaurant, blocking both the front and back entrances. Police attempted to contain the situation, but agitators continued to press their cell phones against the restaurant windows while screaming at attendees inside. 

Some feared the agitators were armed, and prompted the guests to purchase masks from local stores to protect their identities from potential retaliation.

Port Washington and Zionist Influence

Port Washington is known as a stronghold of Zionist influence, with many powerful figures and organizations, including the CEOs of AJC and AIPAC, residing in the area. 

While such aggressive behavior has previously been observed at protests against illegal land sales and other political events, the deliberate targeting of a humanitarian fundraiser marked an escalation in hostilities.

Among the crowd were prominent community figures, local representatives, elected officials, rabbis, and Jewish leaders. Slurs and racially charged language were used throughout the confrontation.

Zionists Target Restaurant Owners

The restaurant owners, who had no direct affiliation with the Pali Coalition beyond offering their space, are now facing severe repercussions. According to one of the event organizers, the owners have been subjected to harassment, fake orders, and accusations of “supporting Hamas.” 

Their rent has been doubled, and they are being evicted from their location after years of business. Zionist agitators have continued to enter the store to harass them, and their business is being actively boycotted. 

The family, which has limited English proficiency, has faced xenophobic taunts and intimidation. Symbolic cloths with Zionist messages have also been tied around the property. 

The Pali Coalition is now working to provide legal support for the restaurant owners, while the community at large reckons with the consequences of unchecked Zionist aggression. 

Donations Double Following Incident

Despite the attacks, organizers explained that the fundraiser was successful, and raised $3,000 that night. The amount more than doubled later to $7,700 due to increased support from community members who were horrified by the Zionists’ violence. 

Many non-Muslim and non-Palestinian residents of Port Washington have also spoken out against the aggression, expressing embarrassment and unease about the hostility shown in their town. 

With Zionists holding significant positions of power in the area, however, retaliation and systemic oppression remain ongoing concerns.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the abuse of power now becoming commonplace by Zionist groups in the area, and the absence of legal consequences for their hate and harassment.