A KOSHER restaurant boss has spoken of his anger after two businesses were targeted by ‘mindless’ arsonists.

Police are treating the attacks at Ta’am Restaurant in Bury New Road, and JS Restaurant in Kings Road, both in Prestwich, as anti-Semitic hate crimes.

Both restaurants were badly damaged although while Ta’am grill and deli has been able to reopen, JS Restaurant could be out of business for up to three months.

The first blaze happened at Ta’am grill and deli in Bury New Road, shortly before midnight on Friday, June 2.

JS Restaurant was later targeted at about 3.30am on Tuesday, when the arsonists forced open a window before pouring accelerant inside and lighting it.

Michael Issler, owner of JS Restaurant, said: “I felt completely sick when I heard what these people had done.

“I felt disgusted that someone could do this to a business, which people’s livelihoods rely on and that serves the community.

“I employ 17 people that are now worried about losing their job.

“They are all on paid leave until we sort things out.

“Ultimately it’s a sickening act that mindless people have committed with no consideration for how it will affect others.”

Bury Times:

Mr Issler, who has ran the restaurant for 11 years, said although his restaurant has been targeted in the past, this is the first time there has been a racial attack.

He said: “I have a family who are deeply upset by what’s happened but it’s not just us who are affected, the whole community has been targeted.

“I have been overwhelmed with hundreds of messages of support and even received a call offering to step in and provide financial support until the insurance can be sorted out.

“It’s definitely heart-warming to hear.”

Two offenders threw a milk carton filled with petrol and a lit rag at Ta’am, however the makeshift container failed to ignite before one of the offenders smashed the front window.

On both occasions the restaurants were closed and no one was injured in either of the attacks.

Police in Bury have launched an investigation into the two attacks and initial enquiries suggest they are linked; however, the motive for the attacks is not clear.

The CST, a charity which monitors and targets anti-Semitism, said it is ‘working very closely with police after apparent arson attack’.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident number 206 06/06/17, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.