26 July 2024
DULUTH — A Palestinian restaurant in the Lakeside neighborhood closed Friday after it was vandalized with “concerning, militant and threatening graffiti,” according to the restaurant.
Falastin, which opened earlier this year in the former New London Cafe location, 4721 E. Superior St., said on social media the building was tagged with graffiti.
The Duluth Police Department said officers responded and found a “derogatory anti-Palestinian message” written on the door frame. Police said it was likely tagged between 3 p.m. Thursday and 8:30 a.m. Friday. There was no security footage of the incident, police said.
“We’ve made the difficult decision to close today for the safety of our staff, customers, and space due to concerning, militant and threatening graffiti written on our building last night,” the restaurant wrote on Facebook and Instagram and on a note posted to its window. “Thank you for your love and support.”
The deli is typically open on Fridays and Saturdays.
Owner Lyla Abukhodair told the News Tribune on Friday she was at a wedding and unavailable for an interview.
Falastin’s Facebook and Instagram posts elicited an outpouring of support for the restaurant, with users denouncing the vandalism and asking what they can do to support Falastin.
The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce commented on the Facebook post, saying it and the local business community stood in solidarity with the restaurant.
“We are proud to have you in our community,” the chamber wrote.
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