Just days after Bagels & Co. was vandalized during Shavuos in what police are investigating as a possible hate crime, more than 300 people gathered outside the popular Union Turnpike café to deliver a message of support, solidarity, and Jewish pride. Israeli and American flags waved proudly above the storefront as a crowd packed the sidewalk at the corner of 188th Street. The event drew community leaders, elected officials and their representatives, rabbis, activists, students, NYPD personnel, and Queens Shmira members, reflecting the broad support Bagels & Co. received from across Queens.

Organized by IMPACT, the rally turned a targeted attack into an overwhelming display of communal strength. Throughout the afternoon, supporters intentionally patronized the business, purchasing breakfast, lunch, coffee, and pastries as a practical demonstration of solidarity.

Bagels & Co., located at 188-02 Union Turnpike, is a mainstay for residents throughout Jamaica Estates, Fresh Meadows, Holliswood, and Kew Gardens Hills. Known for its kosher menu and proudly displayed Israeli and American flags, the establishment has long served as a familiar fixture in the neighborhood and a visible expression of Jewish life in eastern Queens.

The vandalism occurred early Friday morning while the business was closed for Yom Tov. Surveillance footage showed a suspect damaging flower pots, overturning outdoor furniture, and throwing objects around the storefront. The NYPD launched an investigation and is examining the incident as a possible hate crime. The incident also clarified initial rumors regarding the emergency response. The mother of the young man who recorded the widely circulated video of the vandalism told the Queens Jewish Link that her son did call 911 after witnessing the crime. According to her account, the suspect allegedly claimed to be carrying a knife and made threats that caused the witness to refrain from pursuing him. The suspect had already fled by the time police arrived. Attending this past Thursday’s rally, the mother expressed gratitude for the massive turnout. IMPACT mobilized the crowd alongside Young Israel of Jamaica Estates, Young Israel of Holliswood, Chazaq, Great Kosher Restaurant Foodies, Yeshiva University High School for Girls (Central), Emet Outreach, and the Alliance of Bukharian Americans.

“This individual tried to hurt this business, and our response as a community is to help this business,” Daniel Rosen, founder of IMPACT, stated. “We want to send a message. This shall not stand. You cannot come into our neighborhood, do terrible things, and then expect us not to have an organized response.”

Among the most visible participants were students from Central and Har Torah, who arrived in large numbers and helped set the tone for the afternoon. Singing together, waving flags, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with community members, they transformed what could have been a protest into an uplifting display of Jewish pride. The crowd reflected the breadth of Queens Jewish life, bringing together Ashkenazi, Sephardic, Bukharian, Persian, and Israeli families. For many attendees, that diversity was among the most powerful aspects of the afternoon. Residents from different neighborhoods, schools, shuls, and backgrounds came together around a common purpose, demonstrating that an attack against one visible Jewish institution is felt throughout the broader community.

Among the supporters was Elan Kornblum, founder of Great Kosher Restaurants. Speaking after his visit, Kornblum highlighted the real financial consequences of these crimes on independent business owners. “There are always people who are going to hate us because we are Jewish,” Kornblum said. “It’s hard to see Jewish and kosher establishments being vandalized weekly and sometimes daily. These owners are simply trying to earn a living and support their families. These businesses are taking money out of their own pockets to repair damage caused by antisemitic attacks.” Kornblum encouraged the community to continue supporting targeted establishments in tangible ways. “When the attackers show hate, we show love,” he added.

Bagels & Co. owner Hila Ashkenazi expressed deep appreciation for the outpouring of support and shared her confidence in law enforcement’s efforts to identify the suspect. Looking out at the crowd that filled the sidewalk and outdoor seating area, Ashkenazi thanked the many residents, organizations, and students who chose to stand with her business and her family.

However, community activist Moshe Spern noted that the incident points to a larger issue. “This targeted attack on a Jewish business is part of a disturbing pattern of unchecked harassment against the Queens Jewish community despite rallies and public statements,” Spern said, calling on city officials to devote additional resources toward protecting Jewish schools, shuls, and businesses. “These intimidation tactics need to end now. Jewish New Yorkers deserve safety in our city.”

Yet, the event was ultimately defined by presence, not anger. Parents stood alongside students, rabbis spoke with residents, and customers walked out carrying bags of food and cups of coffee.

The vandalism may have damaged flower pots and outdoor furniture, but it failed to accomplish its larger goal. Instead of creating fear, it brought together students, parents, rabbis, activists, business owners, and neighbors from across Queens. Instead of discouraging customers, it filled the store with supporters. Instead of isolating a Jewish business, it reminded the community how deeply connected it truly is.

By Shabsie Saphirstein