Emad Abed, owner of Cheers Minneapolis, has published numerous Facebook posts that say “the US is controlled and run by racists Jews” and that “Israel and it’s people must be eliminated from existence.” Abed also uses vulgar language in many of the posts. Abed has also responded to the many individuals who have called out his anti-Semitism by saying “non of you are welcome in my bar” and “you and your community can kiss my a**.”
In response to the uncovering of Cheers Minneapolis’ owners comment, a protest “Queers Against Cheers” was created and is set to take place on Jun. 21 when the bar is set to open. “We’re gonna show this looney tune what happens when you try to come into our community to make a buck while degrading us” the event description says.
Even the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) has gotten involved as Steve Hunegs, executive director of JCRC, released a statement saying “While the overwhelmingly negative response to this bigot is heartening, this latest expression of hate demonstrates how quickly unhinged opposition to Israel and Zionism devolves into anti-Semitism.”
Minneapolis Mayor, Jacob Frey, also posted about the matter stating that “while you’ll find [a] welcoming attitude at LGBTQ bars across MPLS, you won’t find it at Cheers.”
The Facebook Page for Cheers Minneapolis that once existed, appears to be deactivated after the incident. The bar, which never opened, had a stunning 1.1 out of 5 stars on the Facebook Page before it was taken down.
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Megan Olson
Megan Olson is a 2020 graduate of the University of Minnesota with degrees in political science and history. She works in public affairs in addition to serving on the Legislative Advisory Council for School District 196. She is also on the school board for FIT academy, a charter school in Apple Valley.
