In a striking act of protest, activists advocating for Palestine vandalized a newly inaugurated branch of Gail’s bakery. The words “Free Gaza” were prominently painted, and red paint was splattered across the facade. The demonstrators accused the popular bakery chain of financially supporting Israel, a claim that has sparked controversy.

Opponents of the protest argue that these accusations are unfounded, criticizing the activists for purportedly inciting hatred on British streets and intimidating Jewish patrons. This clash of perspectives has added another layer of tension to an already complex issue.

The incident occurred shortly after the branch opened its doors on Junction Road, near Archway Tube station. Within hours, the fresh signage was marred by red paint, and slogans such as “Boycott Gail’s, funds Israeli tech” were scrawled on the exterior walls, capturing the attention of passersby.

As the store commenced business, a group of protesters gathered outside. Some held placards encouraging the public to support local enterprises instead of the expanding bakery chain, which boasts over 170 locations across the UK. Others displayed more pointed messages, accusing Gail’s of being backed by investors involved in apartheid.

Among the demonstrators, one sign stood out with the bold declaration: “Boycott Israel for genocide and war crimes in Gaza.” This phrase encapsulates the fervor and controversy surrounding the protest, highlighting the deep divisions and intense emotions associated with the ongoing conflict.

One held a sign saying: ‘Boycott Israel for genocide and war crimes in Gaza.’

Gail’s has previously faced accusations of being Israel-owned or backing Israel’s ‘war machine’.

The chain was founded as a wholesaler in the 1990s by Israeli baker Gail Mejia and was rapidly expanded by Israeli entrepreneur Ran Avidan from 2005 – but both are no longer linked to the business. 

Pro-Palestine vandals daubed the words ‘Free Gaza’ and threw red paint over a newly-opened branch of Gail’s, as activists accused the bakery chain of ‘funding Israel’

Pro-Palestine protesters arrived at the newest branch of Gail’s which opened in Junction Road, close to Archway Tube station, on Thursday

It is today owned by Pizza Express entrepreneur Luke Johnson and American investment firm Bain Capital. 

Bain was among 500 other venture capital firms that signed a letter in support of Israel following the Hamas terrorist attacks on October 7,2023, and it has investments in Israel, including in AI, cybersecurity and software companies.

The owners of Gail’s have previously hit back at claims that the company ‘funds Israel’ and says calls to boycott the chain are derived from misinformation. 

A spokesperson told The Guardian in 2024: ‘Gail’s is a UK-based business with no specific connections to any country or government outside of the UK and does not fund Israel.’

Meanwhile co-founder and chief executive Tom Molnar told The Times previously:

‘Gail’s proudly has Jewish roots and there’s plenty of stuff out there celebrating our heritage and history, but it’s not true it’s Israel-owned’

‘There’s some just crazy stuff on the web thinking we are funding Israel, which is just completely ridiculous. 

‘We’re a wholly UK-based business, paying UK taxes, it’s just ludicrous and I think it needs to be called out.’ 

Gail’s has previously faced accusations of being Israel-owned or backing Israel’s ‘war machine’ – claims that the company owners have disputed

Nevertheless, a small crowd of demonstrators turned up outside the chain’s newest branch to protest against ‘gentrification’, the company’s ‘dodgy record on workers’ rights’ and its funding of ‘Israeli war tech’. 

Footage from the protest shows a bystander, who identified herself as Jewish, challenging a female demonstrator

‘It is a UK-based business, why are you protesting a UK-based business saying ‘Boycott Israel.’ Is it because they’ve got Jewish directors?’

The protester responded: ‘The profits are going to private equity owners and investors who have invested £140m in companies linked to [Israeli] war tech.’

Explaining she was there also to support local businesses, the woman said: ‘There are so many locally-owned cafes here, everywhere Gail’s has opened in London the locally-owned cafes have suffered. We don’t need another cafe.’

‘Why are you saying to boycott Israel?’ the bystander retorted.

‘That’s not my sign,’ said the woman.

‘But you are standing alongside supporting it,’ the bystander replied.

Metropolitan Police confirmed it is investigating reports of criminal damage at the bakery

When the protester then explained the cafe had opened without ‘any public consultation’, the bystander again took her to task.

‘But that’s down to council procedure, not intimidating and harassing Jewish customers,’ she said.

The protester then said she was ‘half-Jewish’, but the bystander told the woman she felt ‘intimidated’ by the protest. 

Advocacy group Campaign Against Antisemitism has reviewed the footage and accused the protesters of ‘spreading hate’.

A spokesperson told Daily Mail: ‘In case anyone required further proof that this is not a peaceful movement, here it is. 

‘This is yet more blatant thuggery from pro-Palestine extremists trying to pass off intimidation and vandalism, driven by a blind hatred for the world’s only Jewish state, as progressive activism. 

‘Smashing up a branch of Gail’s does nothing to advance peace in the Middle East; it simply spreads hate on British streets. 

‘The Metropolitan Police must ensure that those responsible face the full consequences of their actions.’ 

A spokesperson for Gail’s said: ‘Last night, we unfortunately experienced vandalism at our new Archway bakery. 

‘Our bakeries are places for the community, and no one – whether that’s our bakery teams or our customers – should feel targeted or unsafe. 

‘We are a British business with no specific connections to any country or government outside the UK. 

‘Our focus right now is on working with the authorities and making sure our people feel safe and supported.’

Metropolitan Police confirmed officers were called to reports of criminal damage at the cafe on Wednesday night, around 11.39pm. 

A spokesperson said: ‘Officers arrived on the scene within six minutes and found that the outside of the building had been vandalised with paint.

‘The suspects fled the scene before police arrived.

‘Police conducted a full search of the area and worked with the council to review any immediately available CCTV. 

‘They are continuing to review other footage to identify any lines of enquiry that might help to identify the suspects.’

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 7771/18FEB or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.