D.C. kosher restaurant vandalized on Kristallnacht anniversary, sparks hate crime investigation

Char Bar, a kosher restaurant in Washington, D.C., was vandalized early Saturday, with two of its windows shattered by rocks. Police responded to the 2100 block of L Street after a concerned citizen reported the damage. No one entered the establishment, but the restaurant’s windows have since been boarded up.

Owner’s Reaction and Concerns

Michael Chelst, owner of Char Bar, expressed frustration over the incident, questioning the motives behind the act. “Just the idiocy of people — that was my first reaction,” Chelst said. “Like, really? You don’t have anything better to do with your lives than to waste energy and time and people’s money to do what? We’re just a restaurant here.”

Vandalism Occurs on Kristallnacht Anniversary

The incident coincided with the 86th anniversary of Kristallnacht, or the “Night of Broken Glass,” a tragic event in 1938 when Nazis destroyed thousands of Jewish homes, businesses, and synagogues. The timing has raised concerns about a potential hate crime. Chelst noted, “There’s seven other places with glass on this street, and they didn’t hit any of those.”

Community and Federation Response

The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington called the incident “deeply disturbing” in a statement, highlighting the symbolism of the timing. They demanded a “full investigation and swift arrest of the perpetrators,” with their JShield security division working closely with local authorities.

Continued Community Support

Despite the vandalism, Char Bar’s patrons continued to visit, with many choosing to dine there in solidarity. An online fundraiser has been launched to cover repair costs, estimated at $10,000. Chelst expressed gratitude for the support, saying, “Whatever type of hate is out there, we all need to do our part… and not let people like this change our mission, which is to support our community.”

Ongoing Investigation

The investigation remains active, with no current evidence confirming a hate crime, though police have not ruled it out. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Metropolitan Police Department.