Protesters gathered outside an Israeli-owned restaurant in Notting Hill, London, on Friday evening, chanting slogans and calling for the owners to leave the area. The demonstration, led by the International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network, targeted Miznon on Elgin Crescent and drew sharp criticism from political leaders over claims of harassment and anti-Semitism.
What Happened During the Protest
Around 50 people showed up at the event, holding signs and using megaphones to voice their anger. They focused on the restaurant’s co-owner, Shahar Segal, who once worked with a group accused of mishandling aid in Gaza.
Footage from the scene captured one speaker saying Zionists should get out of Notting Hill. Chants included phrases like “From the river to the sea,” which some view as calls for resistance while others see them as divisive.
This marks part of a three-month push against the venue, with activists linking it to broader issues in the Middle East conflict. Police stood by in large numbers but made only one arrest for suspected incitement.
Local residents reported feeling uneasy as the crowd blocked the entrance and shouted at staff and customers inside.
Political Backlash and Calls for Action
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch quickly condemned the protest on social media, calling it an example of incitement to violence against Jews. She urged the Home Secretary to step in and give police more tools to handle such events.
Badenoch pointed to a rise in anti-Semitic incidents in the UK since the Gaza war began in 2023. She stressed that hatred grows when authorities seem weak.
Other politicians echoed her views, with some comparing the scene to dark moments in history. The incident has fueled debates on free speech versus public safety in protests.
Community leaders from Jewish groups expressed outrage, saying these actions create fear and division in diverse neighborhoods like Notting Hill.
Background on Miznon and Global Context
Miznon, founded by Israeli chef Eyal Shani in 2011, offers Mediterranean street food and has spots in cities worldwide. The Notting Hill branch opened amid growing tensions from the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Protesters highlighted Segal’s past role in the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which faced UN criticism after deadly incidents near aid sites in 2025. Segal left the group last year following boycott calls.
Similar protests have hit Miznon locations elsewhere. For instance, a Melbourne outlet saw vandalism and arrests in 2025, leading to assault charges against three individuals.
Here is a quick look at key Miznon locations and recent issues:
| Location | Year Opened | Notable Incidents |
|---|---|---|
| Tel Aviv | 2011 | None reported |
| New York | 2018 | Minor protests in 2024 |
| London (Notting Hill) | 2022 | Ongoing campaign since late 2025 |
| Melbourne | 2023 | Vandalism and arrests in 2025 |
| Paris | 2019 | Boycott calls in 2024 |
This table shows how the chain has faced backlash in multiple countries tied to global events.
Wider Impact on London Communities
The protest comes amid a spike in demonstrations across London since the October 7, 2023, attacks and the ongoing war. Police have ramped up efforts to monitor slogans that could stir hatred, like calls for intifada.
Jewish communities report feeling more vulnerable, with incidents up by over 200 percent in the UK last year, according to recent Community Security Trust data. This has led to calls for stronger laws.
On the flip side, protest organizers say their actions are about human rights and opposing policies, not targeting people based on faith.
Experts note that such events strain local businesses and highlight the need for dialogue to ease tensions.
How This Fits into Rising Tensions
Recent events add to the picture. Just last week, a similar rally in New York drew crowds chanting support for Palestinian causes near a synagogue, sparking arrests.
In the UK, police logs from a November 2025 sports event revealed threats against Israeli players, despite claims of peaceful gatherings.
These incidents reflect a global trend where Middle East conflicts spill into local streets, affecting everyday life.
Key factors driving these protests include:
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- Ongoing Gaza humanitarian crisis, with over 40,000 reported deaths since 2023.
- Boycott movements targeting businesses linked to Israel.
- Political shifts, like Iran’s recent threats amid fears of wider conflict.
- Social media’s role in amplifying calls to action.
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Analysts predict more such events unless leaders address root causes through policy changes.
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