Long Island Diner Owner Faces Backlash for Supporting Israel
The owner of a diner in Long Island has expressed concern for his business after receiving harassment for supporting Israeli hostages in the wake of the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
Peter Tsadiras took a stand following the assault, transforming the Golden Globe Diner into a site of activism. He decorated the front of his establishment with numerous posters of hostages alongside Israeli and American flags.
The reaction from the community was intense and immediate.
He experienced boycotts, vandalism, torn flags, personal threats, and even employee strikes as former customers and services like DoorDash protested his firm stance on Israel after the tragic event that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 civilians and the abduction of many others.
At 52, Tsadiras acknowledged that the situation is taking a toll on his business.
“People think there should be a line out the door. It’s really the opposite—I’m just trying to survive,” he shared, revealing the struggles of his diner, a local fixture for around 85 years.
“I never anticipated this kind of backlash. I chose humanity over popularity,” said Tsadiras, whose family immigrated from Greece. He expressed hope that the customers who boycotted would eventually return, despite feeling “branded.”
“We never backed down. This is what we believe in,” he proudly stated, mentioning his offerings like New York steaks, fresh ingredients, turkey burgers, and his grandmother’s matzo ball soup.
Tsadiras was especially moved by the tragedy at the Nova music festival, a peaceful concert near the Gaza border, where many young people lost their lives and others were taken hostage.
“Most of them were young people just trying to enjoy music,” he said, which resonated with thoughts of his own 19-year-old daughter.
“I did it because I could imagine my daughter there. All I have to do is visualize her face in front of each person and it brings me to tears,” he reflected.
“If there were 50 Greek children in that situation, I wouldn’t be the only one advocating for their return.”
After 20 surviving hostages were released following 738 days in captivity, he found it emotional to take down the hostage posters.
He has committed to leaving an Israeli flag and a sign stating “Never Again,” marking the days endured by the hostages.
“I’m relieved it’s over for those who have returned, but my heart is with the families still awaiting their loved ones,” Tsadiras concluded, adding that he would, if necessary, take similar actions again.
