Community Raises Over $50,000 in Response to Antisemitic Vandalism at Manny’s

Manny’s was spray-painted during a pro-Palestinian protest. (Rosalind Cohen/GoFundMe)

San Francisco, a city celebrated for its progressive spirit and commitment to inclusivity, recently faced a jarring reminder of the work still needed to combat hate. On Sunday, amid a pro-Palestinian rally, Manny’s — a cafe, bookstore, and community hub owned by Manny Yekutiel (who is Jewish) — was defaced with antisemitic graffiti, an incident now being investigated as a hate crime.

While graffiti saying “Arms Embargo Now” could be seen as simply pro-Palestinian, tagging “Death 2 the enemy” on a Jewish business is undoubtedly antisemitic. Suddenly, a location that endeavors to brings so many people together was transformed into a stark symbol of division.

Manny’s is more than just a restaurant or bookstore. It’s a place where people from all walks of life gather to engage in civic and political discourse — a space that embodies the very essence of San Francisco’s values. The attack wasn’t merely vandalism; it was an assault on the city’s commitment to dialogue, diversity, and the Jewish community that has been integral to its fabric since the 1850s.

“Death 2 the enemy” tagged on the wall at Manny’s

It’s important to note that it’s totally valid to be critical of the Israeli government. That is not being antisemitic. And it’s just as valid to be critical of the US’s support and involvement in the current war. But once again, tagging “Death 2 the enemy” on a Jewish owned business fully crosses that line.

Community leaders swiftly condemned the act. Senator Scott Wiener highlighted the unsettling timing of the incident, noting it occurred “on the eve of the first anniversary of October 7, the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust.” The message resonated deeply: antisemitism has no place in San Francisco.

This incident mirrors a troubling national trend. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reported a staggering 200% increase in antisemitic incidents over the past year, documenting more than 10,000 cases nationwide from October 2023 to September 2024. California ranks among the top five states with the highest number of these incidents. While antisemitic acts are definitely on the rise, it’s important to note that  the ADL recently changed its criteria from prior tallies to include more anti-Zionist events and rhetoric.

For many in the Jewish community, the rise in such incidents feels painfully isolating. Yet, as Rabbi Bauer of Temple Emanuel expressed during a memorial for the October 7th attacks, unity prevails. “It can feel quite lonely,” he acknowledged. “But then you come here and realize, actually, you’re not alone. There are allies here. We have people, friends call who aren’t Jewish to say I’m thinking about you today and I see you. It means a lot.”

Over 1,400 San Franciscans came together for the memorial, standing united in solidarity. Among those in attendance were several of the city’s prominent political figures, including State Senator Scott Wiener, mayoral frontrunner Daniel Lurie, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, Mayor London Breed, and multiple city supervisors.

In the face of adversity, the community’s response has been nothing short of inspirational. Local resident Rosalind Cohen initiated a GoFundMe campaign to support Manny’s, and within just three days, over $50,000 was raised. The outpouring of support demonstrates the city’s refusal to let hate dictate its narrative.

The GoFundMe raised over $50,000 in 3 days

Manny Yekutiel expressed profound gratitude for the solidarity shown. “When I read some of the things that were written on my walls, including ‘Death to the Enemy,’ my heart sank,” he shared. “Roz asked if she could create this GoFundMe, and honestly, I’ve been so floored by and grateful for the response and generosity. It means so much to me, and I feel so loved by the community.”

He added, “Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thanks to you, I’ll be able to get the café back to how it looked before the vandalism, clean it up, and keep our programs going. I’m also planning to use these extra funds to support other Jewish small business owners who’ve had their shops vandalized, graffitied, or attacked. In addition, I want to sponsor public lectures on antisemitism in the space, creating a chance for people to come together, learn, and raise awareness. So thank you, thank you, and know that if you continue to donate, I will forward it to others who go through what I’ve been through.”

The campaign gained significant traction when Jewish American actress Mayim Bialik, best known for the sitcom Blossom, shared it on social media in solidarity. Gaby Makstman, a board trustee of Sherith Israel and member of “Run for Their Lives,” reflected on the impact: “Seeing Mayim Bialik share the GoFundMe with her almost 5 million followers reminded me that even when our community is targeted by hate and hatred, we are connected in so many ways and are willing to step up for each other. The last year, while heartbreaking, has also brought us closer together. And there’s power in the solidarity we are all feeling in our community.”

Mayim Bialik shared the GoFundMe to help out Manny’s

This collective action sends a powerful message: while hate may rear its ugly head, it will not prevail against a united community. As San Franciscans grapple with the realities of rising antisemitism, there is a renewed commitment to uphold the city’s foundational principles of diversity and inclusion.

“This incident at Manny’s is a stark reminder of the challenges we face as a society, but it’s also an opportunity for all of us to reaffirm our commitment to solidarity and justice,” Yekutiel reflected. “San Francisco is a city built on diversity, and its strength comes from communities standing together, not apart. In this moment of pain, there is also hope—a hope that through collective action and unwavering support, peace and healing will come.”

As we move forward, let us remember and protect what Manny’s represents: a space for civic engagement, a place for difficult conversations, and a beacon of hope for a more inclusive and understanding city.

You can contribute to the ongoing efforts to rebuild and stand against hate by donating to the GoFundMe campaign here: Support Manny’s Against Antisemitism.

If you have any information about the incident, please contact the San Francisco Police Department. Together, we can ensure that hate has no home in our city.