AUGUST 22 • 2024 | 25

notions about us, our work and 
beliefs.”

‘WE’RE NOT WANTED’
As news of the closure rippled 
through Detroit, Zionism became 
the prevailing narrative as to why 
it happened. The store’s Instagram 
page began filling up with 
comments accusing the new owner 
of being a “Zionist,” while one 
Reddit commenter who claimed 
to be an ex-staffer theorized, “He’s 
practicing: exploiting Detroit so he 
can go do illegal s**t in Palestine.” 
 On the social network X, a 
Detroit-based mutual aid group 
called Kafka a “Zionist land 
baron.” One of Kafka’s non-Jewish 
commercial tenants, a Brazilian 
restaurateur whose family originated 
in Lebanon, told JTA his business 
was now on a “blacklist” of places 
to boycott because he rents from 
Kafka. 
“For some reason I’ve been 

punished for things he was saying 
or believing,” Javier Bardauil said. 
“What do you want me to do, burn 
this restaurant because you don’t like 
my landlord? I’m employing more 
than 50 people in Detroit.”
Bardauil said he was especially 
frustrated because he doesn’t think 

he agrees with Kafka about the 
Israel-Hamas war. 
“I’m pissed, too, about what’s 
going on in Palestine right now. I 
think war is not good for anyone,” 
he said. Of the protesters, he said, 
“The worst part is they don’t know 
what they’re talking about.”

Despite all the commotion, Kauf is 
still excited to relaunch the Detroit 
Institute of Bagels as part of Cafe 
Prince. But it was clear that the road 
ahead would be challenging: On 
Instagram, activists were starting to 
DM customers who shared photos 
from inside Cafe Prince. They were 
sending them local coverage of 
Kafka in the hopes of dissuading 
people from patronizing his cafe. 
So, even as he embarks on the 
new venture, Kauf is no longer sure 
if he and his wife want to put down 
roots in Detroit.
“We’re not wanted,” he said. “I’m 
worried about raising a child here. 
I fear they won’t find a community 
where they truly belong.”
He returned to sizing up the 
space. The store had been closed 
for days. The lights were turned 
off. A mezuzah still hung on the 
doorframe. He was still confused.
“I love all people,” Kauf said. “I don’t 
want any negativity in my life.” 

The empty dining area of the Detroit Institute of Bagels after staff walked out

ANDREW LAPIN/JTA

The Past is Present:
Antisemitism Yesterday 
and Today
When we understand the history of 
antisemitism, we can actively confront it 
and work towards building a more just and 
inclusive society.

Join The HC’s Director of Education, Ruth 
Bergman, to explore the ancient roots of 
antisemitism and its modern manifestations 
in Nazi ideology, Holocaust denial, and the 
anti-Jewish hate we see today.

Register at HolocaustCenter.org/September

Monday, September 9
7:00 PM

I N - P E R S O N P R O G R A M

Admission: $10 per person, 
or free for members of The HC
Refreshments will be served.

28123 Orchard Lake Rd
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
248.553.2400
holocaustcenter.org

