JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Pro-Palestine and anti-Zionist graffiti was discovered on the outside of the Starbucks coffee shop on Town Center Parkway in Jacksonville Wednesday morning.
When two Starbucks employees arrived at work just before 5 a.m., they noticed their building, located at 4474 Town Center Pkwy, had been spray-painted with various Gaza-related phrases, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.
After getting out of their cars to further inspect the vandalism, the report said they notified their store manager.
The sheriff's office was also contacted and a responding officer made note of the following phrases painted on the building:
- "Starbux funds genocide!"
- "Genocide supporters"
- "Free Palestine"
- "Resist zionism"
- "Intifada"
- "Gaza will win"
Overhead lights, front doors, windows, the drive-thru menu and two display signs were also spray-painted red. The store's manager told police the spray paint was not there when the store closed at 10 p.m. the night before.
Additionally, the word "Gaza" was drawn on the side of the building that belongs to Mattress Firm.
The Starbucks manager estimated it would cost about $1,500 to repair the damages, according to the police report. The manager also estimated a loss of business of about $1,200 due to having to close during the investigation.
Rabbi Shmuli Novack, co-director Chabad of Jacksonville Town Center and UNF, said he's confident city leaders will condemn the vandalism and JSO will hold those responsible accountable.
"These acts of hate only strengthen the Jewish community's resolve to stand together with pride in our heritage and determination for our future," Novack said.
Since the start of the war in Gaza, protests from pro-Palestinian voices have been organized against companies, including McDonald's and Starbucks, for what they describe as corporate support for Israel.
Starbucks has a page on their website dedicated to their sentiment toward the conflict in Israel and Gaza.
"Despite false statements spread through social media, Starbucks has never contributed to any government or military operation in any way," the statement reads.
"What we do fund is food aid for communities in need. The Starbucks Foundation, along with global licensee partners, have provided over $3 million to World Central Kitchen to provide more than 1 million meals to families in Gaza."