LITITZ, Pa. — A Lancaster County business owner is speaking out after receiving a hate letter related to the ongoing Israel-Hamas War.
Hamzah Dawood, the owner of Greco's Italian Ice and Homemade Ice Cream, said the letter was found inside the business's mailbox shortly after closing on Monday night. The letter read, 'Leave Lititz you Hamas terrorist.'
“It’s not anything you prepare for," said Dawood. “When I found the letter, I took a second to pause. I was a bit confused, as you may understand, why someone would do such a thing.”
He said the letter is another impact of the Israel-Hamas War, as civil rights groups report an increase in Jewish and Muslim harassment across the US.
“Even being in the coolest small town in America, things like this can happen here, and it’s important that people understand that," said Dawood.
“It’s just upsetting because it’s coming from someone who doesn’t take the time to get to know [Hamzah] as a person," said Janelle Hoover, the owner of The Purple Turtle.
Nearby businesses, like The Purple Turtle, have been rallying to support Dawood and the employees of Greco's. Hoover said the letter was gut-wrenching for business owners across Lititz.
“We absolutely want to support him and just show the community at large that this isn’t who we are," said Hoover.
Lititz Police tell FOX43 News that there is no other information currently about the incident—and that there are no suspects at this point.
Dawood said he’s thankful for the community’s support and is hoping to continue spreading love throughout Lititz.
“Greco’s will always choose love, and to see the community getting behind that is really special.”