Long Island diner owner faces backlash for standing with Israel and stands firm
When the world turned away, Peter Tsadilas refused to be silent.
Days after Hamas’s brutal October 7 attack, which left 1,200 Israelis dead and hundreds taken hostage, the Long Island diner owner transformed his Golden Globe Diner into a wall of remembrance, covering its front windows with hostage posters and flying Israeli, American, and Greek flags side by side.
The response was swift and cruel. Boycotts, vandalism, broken flags, and staff walkouts followed. What had been a beloved neighborhood diner for 85 years suddenly became a target.
“People think there’s lines out the door. It’s the opposite. I’m trying to survive,” Tsadilas said. “I never imagined this kind of backlash. But I chose humanity over popularity.”
Courage in a Culture of Cowardice
When others stayed quiet, Peter acted. He thought of the young people murdered at the Nova Music Festival, 370 lives lost in a single morning. He imagined his own 19-year-old daughter among them.
“If she were in Israel, she definitely would have been at Nova,” he said. “All I have to do is put my daughter’s face in front of each and every one of them, and I’d be crying.”
His empathy became conviction. Even as business declined, he refused to take down the posters.
“I never caved. I believed in this,” he said.
When the Posters Came Down
After 738 days, when the final 20 living hostages were at last returned to Israel, Tsadilas finally and tearfully removed the posters.
“It was emotional,” he admitted. “I’m grateful it’s over for the hostages who came home, and my heart goes out to the families waiting for remains.”
But the flags still fly. Outside the diner today stands a sign that reads:
“Never Again.”
Standing with the Righteous
In a world quick to condemn Israel and slow to defend her, Tsadilas reminds us what moral courage looks like. He risked his livelihood to honor those who suffered, not for politics but for humanity.
“If 50 Greek children were hostages, I wouldn’t want to be the only one who wanted them back,” he said simply.
The Bible says:
“Those who honor Me I will honor.” — 1 Samuel 2:30
And those who bless Israel, God promises, will themselves be blessed (Genesis 12:3).
Today’s Prayer
Lord, strengthen all who choose righteousness when it costs them something. Bless Peter Tsadilas and others who stand with Israel despite scorn. May their courage inspire us to act with compassion and conviction, remembering that faith without action is dead. Let our hearts, our homes, and our communities echo his words: Never Again. Amen.
Source: “Long Island diner owner threatened for Israel support details ‘emotional’ toll of removing hostage posters” by Doree Lewak, published October 18, 2025, on NYPost.com.
