Three individuals have been charged following an altercation and property damage at an Israeli-owned restaurant during a pro-Palestinian protest in Melbourne, Australia, on July 5, 2025. Victoria Police confirmed the charges on Tuesday, stemming from an incident where approximately 20 protesters gathered at the city-centre restaurant, Miznon. The incident highlights ongoing tensions related to the conflict in the Middle East impacting businesses globally.
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Incident Details and Police Response
The protest took place on Friday, July 5, when a group converged on the Miznon restaurant. Police allege that during the demonstration, an altercation occurred where chairs were reportedly thrown and a glass door sustained damage.
Victoria Police announced on Tuesday that a 50-year-old man and two women, aged 48 and 28, have been charged in connection with the incident. The charges include assault, affray, riotous behaviour, and criminal damage. Police stated that investigations into the incident are continuing.
Police arrest a protester outside the damaged storefront.
Why the Restaurant Was Targeted
The activist group Whistleblowers, Activists and Communities Alliance stated that Miznon was targeted as a “site for direct action” because of its owner, Shahar Segal. Segal, an Israeli businessman, had served as a spokesperson for the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).
The group claimed that a person who “openly supports the terrorist state of Israel,” particularly what they described as a “militarised aid scheme,” makes their business a “fair target.” This justification links the protest directly to the owner’s perceived political stance and his role with the GHF.
Claims and Counterclaims
A separate statement, attributed to a “group of autonomous individuals” and posted on social media, denied instigating violence during the protest. This group claimed that the altercation was instead caused by employees from a different restaurant located nearby.
Meanwhile, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation itself has faced significant controversy. Supported by the United States and Israel, the GHF has been widely condemned following reports of Israeli forces causing casualties near its distribution centers. The Gaza Health Ministry reported on Saturday, July 6, that at least 743 Palestinians had been killed and over 4,891 injured while attempting to receive aid at these sites.
Owner and Restaurant Respond
In response to the events and surrounding controversy, Shahar Segal posted on social media on Saturday, July 6, stating that he had departed from his “temporary” and “volunteer” role with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. He did not provide a specific reason for his departure.
Miznon restaurant issued a statement on Tuesday, July 8, describing the incident on Friday as having a “profound impact” on its staff. The statement noted that the actions during the protest caused distress to customers and staff of neighboring businesses as well.
The restaurant clarified its identity, stating, “While others have chosen to speak about who we are and decided we are a legitimate target for protest, we want to be clear about who we are, in our words. We are a restaurant, a place of hospitality, of warmth and welcome.” Miznon emphasized its mission to serve people from all backgrounds and viewpoints.
Separate Synagogue Incident
In a separate development also occurring on Friday, July 5, Victoria Police charged a 34-year-old man in connection with a suspicious fire at a synagogue in inner-city Melbourne. Authorities have stated that they have not established any link between the protest at Miznon and the synagogue fire.
The incidents underscore a period of heightened tension in Melbourne, reflecting broader international conflicts and their impact on local communities and businesses.
For more context on related global events, explore these stories:
