Kosher eatery target of swastika graffiti

DALLAS, Nov. 2 (UPI) -- The Jewish owners of a kosher restaurant and market said their Dallas business was spray-painted with a pair of swastikas and obscenities.

Natalie and Yohai Pinhas said they doubt the act of vandalism at Natalie's Kitchen and International Market during the weekend was a simple Halloween prank, The Dallas Morning News reported Monday.

"It could be, but why curse?" Yohai Pinhas said. "I believe it's not Halloween."

Natalie Pinhas said the upsetting act is not representative of the eatery's usual customers or the city of Dallas.

"It never happens," she told the Morning News. "We love Dallas."

Mark Briskman of the Anti-Defamation League agreed the act of vandalism is rare for the Texas city.

"This sort of thing is rare around here," said Briskman, who added he suspects the vandalism could qualify as a hate crime.

Briskman told the Morning News the act of vandalism comes after a synagogue in Sherman, Texas, was the target of burglary and vandalism. Two unidentified men are facing third-degree felony theft charges for last week's incident in Sherman.