Jewish-owned Israeli restaurant vandalized in Munich; police suspect antisemitic motive

No one injured; investigators believe pyrotechnic devices were thrown into Eclipse Grillbar restaurant, breaking several windows; suspects fled, no arrests made

MUNICH — Authorities believe an antisemitic motive prompted vandalism at an Israeli restaurant in Munich where the windows were broken early Friday, police said. No one was injured.

The owners of the restaurant are Jewish, police told German news agency dpa.

Visuals of the aftermath show that the restaurant is the Eclipse Grillbar, though police did not name it. The restaurant’s website says it is Munich’s first authentic Israeli restaurant; it did not immediately return a request for comment.

Grigori Dratva, the owner’s brother-in-law and an employee, told dpa there hadn’t been any direct threats against the restaurant.

They’ve always felt safe in Munich, and plan to reopen, Dratva said. The restaurant had closed for service at 11 p.m. Thursday.

Investigators believe pyrotechnic devices — potentially fireworks — were thrown into the restaurant, breaking the windows in three places.

No suspects were discovered in the area after police were called around 12:45 a.m. and it was not clear who was behind the incident. The damage is estimated at several thousand dollars.

Antisemitic activity in Germany and around the world skyrocketed after Hamas launched its war against Israel on October 7, 2023. In Berlin, police recorded a record 2,267 antisemitic crimes in 2025, a sharp increase from 1,825 cases in 2024 and 900 in 2023, according to a February report. The city logged just 381 antisemitic offenses in 2022.

The attacks range from hate speech and incitement to property damage, threats and physical assaults. Jewish institutions, including synagogues, schools and community centers, have faced heightened security concerns since the October 7 attacks. Authorities have increased police patrols around some sites and expanded monitoring of demonstrations where antisemitic slogans have been reported.

The surge comes despite Germany’s longstanding reputation as one of the more pro-Israel countries in Europe, rooted in its historical responsibility for the Holocaust. German leaders have repeatedly affirmed their commitment to combating antisemitism and safeguarding Jewish life as a core national obligation.