In a quiet Philadelphia suburb, the modest Nana’s Kitchen & Catering faced an unexpected attack that left its Israeli proprietors reeling. Spray-painted in bold black letters, the words “Free Gaza” marred a brick wall adjacent to the family-run establishment. For Gladys Fink Senderowitsch, her daughter Lee, and her mother Olga, the message struck deep, evoking feelings of disappointment, sadness, and vulnerability.

The incident hit particularly close to home for Gladys, who had been grappling with the aftermath of recent terrorist attacks in southern Israel and the ensuing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Having immigrated to Israel from Argentina at a young age, Gladys had experienced the harsh realities of living near the Gaza border, where her family members were among those directly impacted by Hamas aggression.

For Lee, the graffiti was a violation that sparked profound unease and forced them to confront the pervasive nature of antisemitism. Despite the outpouring of support from the local community and swift action by law enforcement to cover up the graffiti, the incident left a lasting impression on the family.

Their resilience, however, remains unwavering. With a steadfast commitment to their heritage and identity, the Senderowitsch family refuses to be intimidated by acts of hate. As they navigate the challenges of running a business in the face of adversity, they find strength in unity, determination, and hope for a brighter future.

Despite the pain inflicted by the graffiti, Nana’s Kitchen & Catering stands as a symbol of resilience and defiance against bigotry, proving that love and solidarity will always triumph over hate.