Ofra's Kitchen is permanently closed

Hi, my name is Ofra Sixto. I am an Israeli born Jewish woman.

I had a small Vegetarian/vegan Israeli restaurant in Vancouver BC, and I hope to raise money in order to keep my restaurant open. Unfortunately, the amount that I collected thus far did not help with the goal but helped a lot with the outstanding bills. Thank you so much for your generous donations. I am one of the people who borrowed CEBA money from the Govt. and now have to give it back. I would be able to do so, if the war in Israel had not been happening, and me and my restaurant had not been suffering the consequences over it. I have been boycotted by the Palestinians supporters, and the community that I live in and work with, almost completely turned on me and stopped buying from me. I am a target for hate speech, harassment and being constantly asked to leave the neighborhood. All because I am an Israeli and a Jewish woman. I have been interviewed by CBC, CTV, CKNW and Rebel news, over the hate that I have been receiving from the Palestinians supporters.

As an Israeli, I stand with Israel with all my heart, and I let anyone who wants to know that I do so with pride. I have an Israeli flag at my restaurant window and pictures of the hostages, which makes me an even bigger target for the hate that I receive. I strongly believe that businesses and individuals should not be attacked because of their faith, believes, background or religion. I came to Canada with my children, to have a safer life, and I find myself in a grave danger here. I love Canada, I want to stay here. My children love Canada, and they want to stay here. I hope that we could stay and be safe again.

I worked over 14 hours a day , to amke ends meet. I have no employees as I cannot afford any. This fundraising will be a G-d save if it happens. With this money I would be able to pay the $40,000 CEBA loan.

I wish to thank each and every one of you that will support me at this dark times.