Headingley's Ecco Pizzeria, nestled in the vibrant student district of Leeds, has come under scrutiny after being reported to the police for its social media statements proclaiming that "Zionists
not welcome" and encouraging patrons to propose toppings for an "Anti-Zionist pizza."
A representative from the Leeds Jewish community expressed skepticism, humorously suggesting that to make a pizza appear Palestinian, one might need a charcoal crust given the Italian colors of green, red, and white. He also questioned the restaurant's ability to discern the ideological affiliations of its customers.
In response to the allegations, a woman from Ecco Pizzeria vehemently defended the establishment, stating, "I don't know where you are getting this from, but all we are doing is supporting a Palestinian charity, and I don't think supporting a charity is doing anything wrong."
Upon invitation, Jewish News inspected the menu, discovering a "Palestine Pizza" featuring ingredients such as caramelized sumac onions, pulled sumac chicken, cherry tomatoes, olives, toasted pine nuts, jalapeño, coriander, and tahini drizzle.
On November 5th, the pizzeria, under the culinary guidance of former Egyptian chef Mohammed el Abd, posted on its Instagram account, expressing strong sentiments against the Israeli government and its allies. The post, accompanied by a graphic of the Palestinian flag above a pizza, introduced the concept of the "Anti-Zionism Pizza," emphasizing the tragic imagery of innocent children affected by conflict.
In a previous Instagram announcement, Ecco Pizzeria declared that all profits from the "Palestinian Pizza" would be directed to Medical Aid for Palestine (MAP). The post encouraged followers to raise awareness about the campaign and offered an open invitation to unfollow for those who might be offended.
Notably, Ecco Pizzeria reportedly attracts many students, including members of the university's Jewish Society, adding a layer of complexity to the controversy surrounding its messaging and menu choices. Photo by Pink Sherbet Photography from USA, Wikimedia commons.