Burgertory founder Hash Tayeh.Credit:Nine
“My participation in pro-Palestinian rallies was driven by a desire for peace and a ceasefire,not violence or division. I have lost 38 relatives in Palestine and I want the violence to stop.”
Tayeh said he was confident the police would find the perpetrators behind the fire.
The Islamic Council of Victoria and several Palestinian groups released a statement calling on authorities to act after the fire,adding their “grave concern that this was an intentional act,amounting to a hate crime against[Tayeh] as a Palestinian and Muslim”.
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Tayeh,who was born in Jordan,was captured on video leading a chant of “from the river to the sea,Palestine will be free” on a megaphone at a march in the CBD last month.
The Anti-Defamation League,a New York-based Jewish advocacy group,says on its website that the phrase “is an antisemitic slogan commonly featured in anti-Israel campaigns”.
Tayeh said that the chant “had been misinterpreted by some as a call for harm”.
“I assure you,for us,it is a call for human rights and freedom,echoing the sentiments of Palestinian academic Yousef Munayyer,” he said.
In a joint statement on Friday,the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) and Community Security Group Victoria said the latter – which promotes “a community culture of safety and security” – had “increased their operations across the community” and that would continue through the weekend.
The statement asked people to refrain from circulating details of incidents on social media and “to avoid spreading incorrect information and creating unnecessary fear”.
In a separate statement,JCCV president Daniel Aghion said,“nothing justifies any form of violence against any individuals or property”.
“We deeply respect free speech,and appreciate the ongoing work being done by Victoria Police to protect the community.”
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Tayeh toldThe Age that he had asked prominent people in the Jewish community to tell him when they held their rallies,“so I can also come in solidarity and show my respect to them and their loved ones and their friends”.
“I wouldn’t just say that I’m a supporter of Palestine. I’m a supporter of peace,” Tayeh said.
Premier Jacinta Allan called for compassion in a statement issued late Friday after the Caulfield protests flared.
“I reaffirm my call for Victorians to show each other love,care and support in these difficult times,” she said.
“It is our diversity that makes us great,and our compassion that unites us – there is never any place for antisemitism or Islamophobia in Victoria.”
Victoria Police detectives at the scene of the destroyed Burgertory outlet.Credit:Simon Schluter
The MP for Caulfield,deputy Liberal leader David Southwick,called for calm while acknowledging many were concerned about the suspicious fire.
“I know tensions are running high and people are feeling vulnerable,but we must remain calm and allow police to investigate,” Southwick said.
Victoria Police said detectives are still keen to speak to any witnesses to the Caulfield fire or anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity in the area at the time.
Anyone who witnessed the incident,has CCTV,dashcam footage or any other information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online.
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