A Coral Springs man is facing charges after he was accused of vandalizing a pro-Israel sign at a Miami Beach cafe, authorities said. Nour Abaido, 24, has been slapped with a charge of criminal mischief with prejudice for damages exceeding $200, according to Local10. The sign, which read “Bagel Time proudly stands with Israel,” was at Bagel Time Cafe, located at 3915 Alton Road.
Police allege Abaido, who was last spotted driving a Mustang, stopped in the middle of traffic to attempt to take down the sign before finally slashing it when he failed to easily remove it. The incident dates back to the early morning hours of October 28th, when surveillance footage captured the act of vandalism. This footage led authorities to Abaido, who posted bond in Broward County but was transferred to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami-Dade this week, as per WSVN.
In Miami-Dade County Court on Thursday, Judge Mindy S. Glazer warned Abaido, “You already posted a bond, just stay away from the Bagel Time Cafe.” The surveillance video was crucial in apprehending Abaido, with damages to the sign reportedly valued at approximately $400. Besides facing vandalism charges, Abaido has been placed under house arrest with a work exception and is also going to be wearing an ankle monitor while he awaits his upcoming court date.
Miami Beach police are actively investigating a separate incident involving vandalism at the same cafe earlier in the week, where a woman was seen damaging both an Israeli and an American flag. It remains to be seen if the two incidents are connected. Anyone with information on either case is urged by police to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477. The state attorney's office has also provided a "Hate Crime Hotline," at 786-687-2566, for the public to report any suspected hate crimes in the county, according to Local10.
