Caulfield, Melbourne: Burger restaurant Burgertory that vocally supports Palestine in heavily Jewish area burns down in fire: police consider it suspicious
EXCLUSIVE
A branch of a popular gourmet hamburger chain, whose owner was heavily criticized for chanting during a pro-Palestine demonstration, has burned down. Police say they are treating the fire as “suspicious.”
Burgertory’s Caulfield branch in Melbourne’s south-east burned down around 4am on Friday. There was no one inside at the time.
Photos from the scene showed firefighters extinguishing the blaze that appeared to have destroyed the restaurant.
Hash Tayeh, the founder of the hamburger chain, has been criticized in recent weeks for shouting “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” at a rally in Melbourne.
Burgertory’s Caulfield branch in Melbourne’s south-east burned down around 4am on Friday (pictured)
Many interpret the chant as a call for the destruction of Israel. Mr Tayeh vehemently denies that he is anti-Semitic and has since claimed that he has the deepest sympathy for the civilian victims in both Palestine and Israel.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said Daily Mail Australia detectives are now investigating the fire.
“Emergency services were called to the fire in Glenhuntly Road just after 4.15am,” the spokesman said.
‘No one was inside at the time. The exact cause of the fire is under investigation but is being treated as suspicious at this stage.”
‘Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has CCTV footage, dashcam footage or any other information that could assist police, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.’
More to come.