The baker who wants to create a community, bagel by bagel

In October, when antisemitic graffiti was sprayed on Avner’s, the “‘Eastern European bakery and bagelporium” in Sydney’s Surry Hills, its owner Ed Halmagyi went straight to Instagram with this message:

“We were very unfortunate that someone decided to vandalise our shop on the weekend. Unfortunately for them, they don’t realise just how strong we are as a community. But it’s going to happen to other people and I’ve got some advice for you. When it happens, don’t use it as a reason to withdraw and to feel like the world’s too big. Use it as an invitation to get bigger yourself. Stand taller. Be prouder and remember one very important thing: We’re Jewish, and we’re proud, and we’re strong.”

It’s not the first time in his career that Halmagyi has pushed back against intimidation. Towards the end of his 20-year stint as a television chef on Channel 7’s Better Homes and Gardens, Halmagyi got a Magen David tattooed on his arm and was asked to cover it up with make-up or long sleeves. “We’re not comfortable with you being overtly Jewish on screen,” he was told.