Berlin's Babka & Krantz Bakery Closes Amid Antisemitic Harassment and Economic Strain
Celebrated Berlin Jewish bakery closes, citing harassment since October 7
Image: Jpost
Babka & Krantz, a Jewish bakery in Berlin, has closed due to economic pressures and antisemitic harassment following the October 7 Hamas attack. The owners cited blocked access from construction and a rise in verbal abuse as key factors in their decision to shut down.
- 01Babka & Krantz opened in November 2022 and had a second location at the House of the Wannsee Conference.
- 02The bakery faced significant harassment after the October 7 Hamas attack, leading to a decline in customer traffic.
- 03Owners Shahar Elkin and Marcin Liera-Elkin reported experiencing vandalism and threats, impacting their family's safety.
- 04The bakery was recognized for its contributions to Jewish culture, offering special menus for Jewish holidays and fostering community ties.
- 05Babka & Krantz's closure reflects a broader trend of businesses facing backlash and harassment in the wake of recent geopolitical tensions.
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Babka & Krantz, a Jewish bakery in Berlin owned by Shahar Elkin and Marcin Liera-Elkin, has closed due to a combination of antisemitic harassment and economic difficulties. The bakery, which opened in November 2022 and expanded to a second location by the House of the Wannsee Conference, reported a significant decline in foot traffic due to a construction site blocking access for over a year. Following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, the owners stated that they faced constant verbal abuse, leading to a hostile environment for their business. The couple, who have been active in promoting Jewish culture through their baked goods, expressed sadness over the situation, noting that they had also experienced vandalism and threats in their personal lives. Their decision to close reflects a troubling trend among Jewish businesses in Berlin, as others have similarly cited harassment and economic strain as reasons for shutting down. Babka & Krantz was not only a bakery but also a cultural hub that fostered dialogue between Jewish and non-Jewish locals, making its closure a significant loss for the community.
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The closure of Babka & Krantz signifies a loss of cultural representation and community engagement in Berlin, particularly affecting the local Jewish population.
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