Hate Crime: Religious Extremists Vandalize Family-Owned Armenian Restaurant in Jerusalem

INTERVIEW: On July 13, 2024, an Armenian restaurant in Jerusalem's Old City, run by the Aslanian family, was attacked by two religious extremists. The Armenian Tavern, a beloved local establishment, experienced a terrifying incident when the aggressors entered the restaurant, loudly insulted the owners, and caused significant damage before fleeing the scene.

The extremists burst into the Armenian Tavern, blasting loud music and hurling vile insults at the Aslanian family. "You sons of whores! Die! May this place burn down!" they shouted. During their rampage, they damaged two antique chairs and shattered a vase worth $2,000. 

Marc Aslanian, the restaurant's manager, immediately went to the nearby police station to report the incident. The police are currently investigating the hate crime, but no arrests have been made yet.

In an interview with The Armenian Report, Marc Aslanian shared his thoughts on the incident and the challenges they face as a family business in the Old City of Jerusalem.

The Armenian Report: We heard about the incident in your restaurant. Can you share any information about what happened? Who were those people, and why did they do it? Was this the first time something like this happened?

Marc Aslanian: They are religious fanatics, I would assume, and they wanted to cause trouble as they do around the Old City to non-Jewish people. These kinds of things have happened in the past, not just to our business. We've had a few incidents happen over the years.

The Armenian Report: And how are you staying safe? Do you get any support from the government or Armenian embassy?

Marc Aslanian:  We try to stay careful and not start any violence. We keep to our own and live life. But this is part of the reality we live in, in the Old City.

The Armenian Tavern is managed by Marc Aslanian, with his father and uncle as the owners. The family has been dedicated to maintaining the restaurant, which is not only a business but also a cultural hub for the Armenian community in Jerusalem.

The Armenian community has a long history in Jerusalem, dating back over a thousand years. They have faced various challenges and incidents of discrimination, but they continue to preserve their culture and traditions. The attack on the Armenian Tavern is a reminder of the ongoing issues faced by minority communities in the region.