Community rallies around Hastings pizza shop owner after confrontation
Isaac Garson, owner of Slices Pizza, says the incident happened Sunday when several people gathered outside his shop. Garson, who has operated the business for more than 20 years, says he asked those outside to move along.
More Stories
A show of support is growing in Hastings-on-Hudson after a local pizza shop owner says he was confronted by an activist outside his business.
Isaac Garson, owner of Slices Pizza, says the incident happened Sunday when several people gathered outside his shop. Garson, who has operated the business for more than 20 years, says he asked those outside to move along.
“Well, it was a shock,” Garson said. “I see people out in front of my store with signs. And I said, if you could please move, I’d appreciate it. And they said, ‘say free Palestine.’ I said, listen, I want peace around the world. I don’t want to fight.”
Video posted online shows at least one man holding a sign calling for the U.S. to end aid to Israel. The man can also be heard referencing the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks.
Residents say the situation was upsetting, especially given the shop’s role in the community.
“We saw that Isaac was being harassed. It was very distressing,” said Hastings resident Shelly Steinwurtzel. “It’s a pillar of the community…a welcoming place for everybody.”
Community members gathered to show support for Garson and his business.
“We just wanted to show him some love,” Steinwurtzel said.
News 12 has confirmed the man seen in the video is a Hastings-on-Hudson resident. Attempts to reach him for comment were unsuccessful.
Hastings-on-Hudson police responded to the incident. No charges have been filed.
