Antisemitic Symbol Found at New Lox in a Box Location in Sydney

A swastika was found etched into a glass window at the new Lox in a Box location on Oxford Street in Paddington, Sydney. The discovery was made weeks before the Jewish bagel and sandwich shop's scheduled opening on April 9. Police received a report of malicious damage on Thursday, March 21, indicating the incident occurred on Saturday, March 21.

Incident Details

The symbol was discovered after workers removed protective paper that had covered the windows during painting and renovation work.

Candy Berger, owner of Lox in a Box and granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor, noted the personal significance of the symbol's appearance.

Lox in a Box operates as a Jewish deli and bagel shop, with existing locations in Bondi, Marrickville, and Coogee.

Broader Context

This incident follows a series of alleged antisemitic incidents reported in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, an area with a significant Jewish population. These reports have occurred in the period after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack and subsequent conflict in Gaza.

Specific incidents cited by one source include:

• Reports of car arsons and house vandalisms.
• The permanent closure of Avner’s, a Jewish bakery in Surry Hills. Its operator reported the business had experienced two years of alleged antisemitic harassment, vandalism, and intimidation, citing concerns for staff and customer safety.
• Lox in a Box reportedly received numerous one-star reviews, which its owner attributed to antisemitism.

Response

Lox in a Box addressed the incident via an Instagram post, expressing the business's resolve to continue operations. Owner Candy Berger acknowledged the efforts of police and the Community Security Group, a Jewish organization, following the discovery.

Berger also suggested that the timing of the incident, ahead of Passover, was intentional. The business has affirmed its intention to proceed with its scheduled opening and operations.