Sydney Arab takeaway accuses newspaper of ‘anti-Semitism’ sting

An Arab restaurant in Sydney’s Newtown, Australia, has accused the right-wing Australian newspaper The Daily Telegraph of orchestrating a sting operation aimed at making an accusation of “anti-Semitism”.

Cairo Takeaway’s owners claimed that a pro-Israeli Jewish activist, Ofir Birenbaum, was sent into their establishment to provoke a response from staff and customers. 

According to the eatery, a team from The Daily Telegraph, including a reporter, photographer, and video producer, stationed themselves outside the restaurant while Birenbaum entered wearing a Star of David cap and pendant.

Birenbaum, known for his pro-Israel activism, allegedly interacted with staff in a way designed to provoke a response. 

In an Instagram post, the restaurant said that after ordering a hibiscus tea, Birenbaum stood near the counter before asking: “Do you have a problem with me because I’m Jewish?”

The post revealed how Birenbaum then accused the staff of intimidating him. The staff member, taken aback, attempted to disengage but was confronted by the waiting Telegraph crew. 

It read: “The server was shocked and completely taken aback. She said ‘Excuse me?’ The man continued: ‘You’re intimidating me, you’re making me feel unsafe’.

“The server was upset and tried to disengage by walking outside. What she didn’t know was that a full camera crew from the Daily Telegraph was waiting in ambush.”

The restaurant added that Birenbaum commented about the tea’s quality before suggesting the incident was staged to provoke a reaction and fuel divisive narratives. 

The Australian Daily Telegraph, owned by the Murdoch family’s News Corp, was reportedly filming for a documentary on the life of Jewish individuals in Sydney and had previously spent hours in other locations without capturing confrontational footage.

The restaurant’s post suggested the team sought to fabricate a story, adding: “This is an extraordinary provocation by far-right hate group working in concert with a major news organisation. The Daily Telegraph attempted to fabricate an antisemitic incident by sending a Zionist provocateur into an Arab restaurant.”

Following the incident, Cairo Takeaway filed a report with the police. A police spokesperson confirmed an investigation but stated no criminal offence had been identified. 

Cairo Takeaway, which opened in 2016 and is known for its Egyptian-inspired cuisine, has been vocal about its pro-Palestinian stance.

Its owner, Hesham El Masry, has previously made statements on social media, criticising Israel’s military actions in Gaza and expressing strong support for Palestinian rights. 

The New Arab has approached the Australian Daily Telegraph to offer a comment on the allegations.