Beloved Kosher Restaurant in Berlin Closes After Two Decades

After 20 years of serving the community, the renowned kosher restaurant in Berlin is closing its doors for good. Blieberg's, a staple known as "Berlin's Kosher Dairy Restaurant," announced that it will cease operations soon, citing an increase in antisemitism since the war began.

The restaurant owner shared on Facebook: "With a heavy heart, and following the tragic events of October 7th, we must announce the permanent closure of Blieberg's Kosher Restaurant. We thank our patrons for over 20 years of support and wish everyone safety and prosperity."

The restaurant shut down the day after the attack and has remained closed since. Responses to this decision reveal that Jewish-owned businesses abroad are struggling to survive. A regular customer remarked, "It's sad what's happening in Berlin. Antisemitism is everywhere, and closing underscores the successful anti-Israel campaign." Another customer wrote, "Germany has learned nothing. This reminds me of darker times. We support all Jewish businesses!" Pro-Palestinian responses were quick to follow. On the restaurant's Facebook page, it was posted: "Israel is committing genocide. Therefore, we boycott all Israeli businesses. Simple."

The restaurant has launched a crowdfunding campaign to try and recover the debts accumulated since the war. "Along with the immense solidarity and support we've received from thousands about our closure announcement," the owner stated, "due to the significant losses incurred, we are attempting to recover at least a portion through crowdfunding."