London’s Brick Lane Beigel Bakery targeted with swastika

London’s 24-hour Brick Lane Beigel Shop was left reeling last week after a swastika was scrawled next to its front window.

The Nazi symbol was placed on a mural about the shop by Israeli artist Benzi Brofman. 

The painting, which features a vibrant image of David Bowie eating a bagel, is on a wall next to the shop’s facade.

Managing Director Louise Zelman, 22, was alerted to the incident by a neighbouring shop owner.

“I was so shocked I didn’t really know what to do in the moment,” Zelman said, adding that she immediately contacted the Community Security Trust (CST) and the police. “I then covered it up with spray paint. I didn’t want it to make a statement or encourage others to add to it.”

The mural, a local landmark in the heart of Brick Lane, was recently revamped after a period of closure due to a family dispute, reopening in June.

Despite the disturbing incident, Zelman emphasised the strong support from regular customers, noting that business had been better than expected. “People are really respectful towards our religion and the culture of the shop,” she said, adding that sales were on the rise.

Reflecting on rising tensions amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, Zelman shared personal encounters that had left her shaken.

"A few weeks ago, someone passed by and shouted ‘Zionist’ at me because I was wearing my Star of David,” she said. “Another time, a customer asked where my family was from, and when I mentioned Israel, they said, ‘I don’t know why I’ve come in here.’”

However, Zelman remained optimistic, acknowledging the changing demographics in the area. “The neighbourhood has changed a lot. It used to be a Jewish area, so I’m not surprised something like this happened, but the swastika was just a step too far.”

Zelman’s decision to cover up the swastika was driven by a desire to swiftly remove the symbol of hate. “From a fear point of view, you want it gone,” she said. “I didn’t want to come to work every day and see it.”

In conversation with Brofman, the artist’s response was simple: “People are crazy.”

Despite the attack, the Beigel Shop remains a beloved local spot, with its reputation intact among its loyal customers.

Zelman concluded: “For the most part, people are really respectful. Regulars are still coming in, and business is actually doing better.”