Israeli entrepreneur Shahar Segal, known for running popular restaurants worldwide, has stepped down as a spokesman for a food distribution group in Gaza following backlash over Palestinian casualties at the group’s sites.
Segal’s resignation came after reports by NPR and Israeli media on his involvement with the U.S.- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).
Protests erupted in Melbourne, Australia, outside Segal’s restaurant Miznon, with demonstrators facing criminal charges for causing damage. In Israel, a social justice activist group cut ties with a venue hosting one of Segal’s restaurants due to his GHF affiliation.
GHF, criticized for its distribution model near military zones, has faced opposition from international humanitarian organizations. Segal defended the group’s work, emphasizing the need to support Gazans without aiding Hamas.
Amid the controversy, Segal’s business partners and cultural venues distanced themselves from his GHF ties, citing concerns over humanitarian principles. The backlash extended to Tel Aviv’s elite, impacting Segal’s reputation and business.
Segal emphasized that his role with GHF was voluntary and temporary, stating he had no formal ties to the organization. NPR’s Daniel Estrin contributed to this story from Tel Aviv.
