Winnipeg Kosher Café Hoax: Fabricated Hate Crimes in 2019
In October and November 2019, several incidents were reported at The Leafy Greens Café, a kosher vegan restaurant in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The incidents included broken windows, antisemitic graffiti, and an alleged physical assault on the owner.
The café owners, a husband-and-wife team, publicly stated that the attacks were motivated by antisemitism. The vandalism included phrases such as “Fuck Jews” written on the building. Local Jewish organizations and media outlets described the events as hate crimes targeting the Jewish community.
Winnipeg Police Service investigated the reports as potential hate-motivated crimes. Surveillance footage and witness statements were reviewed. On November 7, 2019, police announced that the incidents were staged by the café owners themselves.
The owners were charged with public mischief for fabricating the reports and staging the vandalism and assault. Police determined that the graffiti and property damage were self-inflicted, and the alleged assault did not occur as described.
The couple pleaded guilty to public mischief in 2020. They received conditional discharges and were ordered to perform community service. The case drew national attention due to the initial framing as antisemitic hate crimes.
