Caught on Camera: Woman Allegedly Attacks Couple over Pro-Palestine Sweatshirt at Downers Grove Panera
Attack over Palestine Sweatshirt Caught on Camera at Downers Grove Panera
A husband and his pregnant wife said they were yelled at, cussed at, slapped, and had coffee thrown on them after a woman became upset over a sweatshirt supporting Palestine at a Downers Grove Panera Bread.
The Confrontation
What started as a quiet afternoon at a Downers Grove Panera Bread turned into a chaotic confrontation caught on camera Saturday afternoon.
Waseem Zahran, the husband, said the woman saw his Palestinian sweatshirt and began yelling at him, calling him a “terrorist” and saying “it’s my land, not your land.” The woman then slapped Zahran’s face and tried to throw hot coffee on him and his pregnant wife.
The Police Response
Zahran said Downers Grove police arrived soon after the incident, but the woman took off.
The Fallout
Zahran told Fox 32 that the verbal and physical attack was completely unprovoked.
“I did everything I could to not touch her because I knew as soon as I did anything, it would be the roles would be reversed. It would be she’s the victim and the strong, brown, handsome man attacked like a young poor lady, and I didn’t want the story to be reversed. And she gets away with what she did,” he said.
Zahran said he’s now facing death threats online, with messages wishing harm on his family.
Panera Bread’s Response
Panera Bread released a statement about the incident Sunday night.
“We are aware of the unfortunate incident that happened in our bakery-cafe, and we are working with our team to look into this matter. Panera seeks to foster a warm and welcoming environment for all,” the statement said.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the importance of respecting differences and promoting a culture of acceptance and understanding. It also underscores the need for greater awareness and education about the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its impact on individuals and communities.
FAQs
Q: What happened during the incident?
A: A woman became upset over a sweatshirt supporting Palestine at a Downers Grove Panera Bread and began yelling at the couple, calling them “terrorists” and slapping the husband’s face. She then tried to throw hot coffee on them.
Q: What did the police do?
A: Downers Grove police arrived soon after the incident, but the woman took off.
Q: What is Panera Bread’s response?
A: Panera Bread released a statement saying they are working with their team to look into the matter and seeking to foster a warm and welcoming environment for all.
Q: Has the woman been charged?
A: No, the woman has not been charged yet.
