Char Bar in D.C. was vandalized on Saturday, with windows smashed, drawing concerns about potential hate crime.
Char Bar, a kosher restaurant in Washington, D.C., was vandalized when two of its windows were smashed on Saturday. No break-in occurred, and the windows have been boarded up since the incident.
What was the restaurant owner’s reaction?
Michael Chelst, the owner of Char Bar, expressed frustration at the senselessness of the act, stating, “That was my first reaction—like, really? You don’t have anything better to do with your lives?” He emphasized that it was just a restaurant and questioned the motivation behind such behavior.
Why is the timing of the vandalism significant?
The vandalism took place on the 86th anniversary of Kristallnacht, the infamous “Night of Broken Glass” when thousands of Jewish homes, businesses, and synagogues were destroyed by Nazis, marking one of the darkest moments in Jewish history.
NBC Washington contacted D.C. police to inquire if the vandalism is being treated as a hate crime. While there is no evidence confirming this at the moment, the possibility remains under investigation.
Chelst expressed disappointment over the lack of immediate recognition of the incident as a hate crime. He pointed out that seven other establishments on the street have glass windows, and only Char Bar was targeted.
How has the community responded?
Despite the vandalism, customers continued to support Char Bar, many choosing to dine there as an act of solidarity. Additionally, an online fundraiser was launched to help cover the estimated $10,000 repair costs. Chelst appreciated the community’s support and reaffirmed the restaurant’s mission to support its community despite the hateful act.
Chelst said the restaurant would not let the act of vandalism change its mission. He emphasized the importance of standing up against hate and continuing to live life without allowing such events to deter the community’s support for Char Bar.
