sydney Synagogues and Jewish Community Targeted in Series of Antisemitic Attacks
In a disturbing escalation of antisemitic incidents, two Sydney synagogues, a home, and multiple vehicles were vandalized over the weekend, according to the New South Wales Police Force and Jewish community groups.The attacks, which included an attempted arson, have left the Jewish community in shock and raised urgent concerns about safety and tolerance in Australia.
The Newtown Synagogue, located in Sydney’s inner west, was defaced with red swastikas on Saturday morning. Closed-circuit television footage revealed that two men attempted to set the premises on fire before dawn. This incident followed another act of vandalism at a different synagogue just 24 hours earlier, marking a troubling pattern of targeted attacks.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the acts,calling them “abhorrent and needing to stop instantly.” he emphasized, “Australia is a better place than this,” in a statement shared on social media.
Alex Ryvchin, CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, expressed deep frustration, stating that the incident occurred in the prime minister’s “backyard.” He criticized the government’s delayed response to rising antisemitism,which has surged as the October 7 massacre. “Now attacks on Jews are the norm, Australia’s international reputation for peace and tolerance are no more, and the Australian value of mateship, of standing up for those doing it tough, has been exposed as a fiction,” Ryvchin said on X/Twitter.
The vandalism extended beyond the synagogues. A home in Queens Park was defaced with offensive graffiti, including the phrase “fk Jews,” echoing similar language found on a car earlier in the week. Police linked the home’s vandalism to graffiti spray-painted on five cars and a trailer on the same street. Additionally, offensive comments were discovered on a poster in Marrickville, which the Australian Jewish Association (AJA) described as antisemitic.
The AJA criticized the government’s handling of the situation, stating, “It’s clear that Labor has fully lost control over the streets, and the safety of the Jewish community is at risk.” They accused the Albanese government of ignoring repeated warnings about the rise of antisemitism.
Key Incidents at a Glance
Table of Contents
| Location | Incident | Date |
|———————–|—————————————————————————–|—————-|
| Newtown Synagogue | Graffiti with swastikas; attempted arson | January 11, 2025 |
| Queens Park Home | Offensive graffiti, including “fk Jews” | January 11, 2025 |
| Marrickville Poster | Antisemitic comments | January 11, 2025 |
| Multiple Vehicles | Graffiti spray-painted on five cars and a trailer | January 11, 2025 |
The repeated attacks have left the Jewish community feeling vulnerable. “No one should think that these are just acts of vandalism,” said David Ossip, President of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies. “They are hate crimes that should sicken all Australians.”
As investigations continue, the incidents have sparked a broader conversation about the rise of antisemitism in Australia and the need for stronger action to protect minority communities.
For more updates on this developing story, follow our coverage and share your thoughts on how communities can stand together against hate.
Image credit: NSW Police
Sydney Synagogue Vandalism Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A wave of antisemitic vandalism has rocked Sydney, with the Newtown Synagogue and a Queens Park home targeted in what authorities describe as a “concerted campaign to intimidate and harass the Jewish community.” The incidents, which began on Friday morning, have drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders, law enforcement, and community organizations.
The Incidents: A Timeline of Hate
The first act of vandalism was discovered before dawn on Friday when New South Wales (NSW) police found graffiti on the Southern Sydney Synagogue. The graffiti included phrases such as “Hitler on top” and “Free Palestine,” alongside swastikas and a mention of “Allah.” Photographs shared by the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies and the Australian Jewish Association (AJA) revealed the extent of the damage.
By Saturday, the vandalism had escalated, with the Newtown Synagogue and a private residence in Queens Park also targeted. The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies responded swiftly, calling for harsh punishment for the perpetrators.
“No one should think that these are just acts of vandalism.This is a concerted campaign to intimidate, harass, and menace the Jewish community,” the board said in a statement. “These hate-filled cretins need to know that they will not succeed. The Jewish community is resilient and will not be intimidated, and the broader Australian community despises these concerted attempts to erode our social cohesion and harmony.”
Police Inquiry and Counter-Terrorism Involvement
NSW Police are actively searching for a Middle Eastern or Mediterranean man with a long brown beard who they believe could “assist with their inquiries.” The investigation has now been escalated to the counter-terrorism command, reflecting the severity of the incidents.
NSW Premier Chris Minns expressed outrage over the attacks, emphasizing that they do not represent the state’s values of acceptance and inclusivity.
“This is an escalation in anti-Semitic crime in New South Wales.Police and the government remain very concerned that an accelerant may have been used,” Minns said during a televised media conference alongside NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb.
Commissioner Webb confirmed that the case had been handed over to counter-terrorism authorities, stating, “In the last 24 hours, these matters have now been taken over by counter-terrorism command.”
Community and Political Reactions
The Jewish community has called for swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice.Alex Ryvchin, a prominent community leader, took to X (formerly Twitter) to demand accountability.
“As long as these people evade justice for trying to terrorize Australian citizens, it will continue,” Ryvchin said.
The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies also urged stronger legislation against hate speech and incitement to violence, stating, “Australians shouldn’t be afraid to wake up each morning to another antisemitic incident.”
The AJA highlighted the anti-Israel sentiment behind the crimes, calling on the government to take action against anti-Zionist extremists.
Opposition leaders echoed these sentiments, with NSW opposition leader Mark Speakman describing the vandalism as “designed to instill fear and terror.”
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Incidents | Vandalism at Southern Sydney Synagogue, Newtown synagogue, and Queens Park home |
| Graffiti | “Hitler on top,” “Free Palestine,” swastikas, and mention of “Allah” |
| Police Investigation | Search for a Middle Eastern or Mediterranean man with a long brown beard |
| Counter-Terrorism | Case escalated to counter-terrorism command |
| Community Response | Calls for stronger legislation against hate speech and incitement to violence |
A Call to Action
The recent spate of antisemitic vandalism in Sydney is a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and unity in the face of hate. As the Jewish community and its allies rally against these acts, the broader Australian public is urged to stand in solidarity and denounce such behaviour.
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Let us work together to ensure that such acts of hate have no place in our society.
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This article is based on facts from the original source and includes hyperlinks for further reading. All quotes are attributed to their respective sources.
Rising Antisemitic Incidents in Australia Prompt urgent Security Measures
In recent weeks, Australia has witnessed a disturbing surge in antisemitic incidents, ranging from vandalism to arson attacks targeting Jewish places of worship.These events have sparked widespread concern among Jewish community leaders and prompted the New South Wales (NSW) government to implement new security measures to protect houses of worship.The latest incident occurred in Newtown, where a synagogue was vandalized and subjected to an attempted arson attack. This follows a series of high-profile antisemitic acts, including the arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne and multiple incidents in Sydney.
A Pattern of hate
The vandalization of the Newtown synagogue is part of a troubling pattern. Just over a month ago, the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne was set ablaze, and a string of antisemitic incidents has as unfolded in Sydney. On december 11, a car was set on fire, and two properties were spray-painted with anti-Israel messages. In mid-November, several vehicles in the Woollahra area were vandalized with antisemitic graffiti, and another was set on fire.
Most recently, a man was charged on Tuesday for driving past two pedestrians outside a place of worship in the Sydney suburb of St. Ives and making a shooting gesture. While police did not confirm that Jewish worshipers were targeted, the presence of two synagogues on the short road has raised alarms.
Government response
In response to these escalating threats, the NSW government announced new measures on December 22 to enhance security for houses of worship. The Places of Worship 2024 State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) amendment will allow churches, mosques, and synagogues to install bollards, fencing, lighting, security cameras, safety glass, and reinforced doors.
“Places of worship should be sanctuaries of peace and safety. We are working to ensure that all people can worship freely without fear. These changes will make that possible,” said NSW Premier Chris Minns.“This decision follows several recent incidents of vandalism and arson against religious buildings in the state, highlighting the urgent need for heightened security.”
The government is also considering reforms to regulate protests outside houses of worship, aiming to create a safer environment for all religious communities.
Community Concerns
Jewish community leaders have expressed growing concerns about their safety.The recent spate of attacks has left many feeling vulnerable and calling for immediate action.
“Such incidents are the precursor for even greater evils,” said one community leader, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to prevent further attacks.
Key Incidents and Government Measures
| Incident | Date | Location | Details |
|—————————————|——————|——————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Adass Israel Synagogue arson | November 2023 | Melbourne | High-profile arson attack on a synagogue. |
| Woollahra vehicle vandalism | Mid-November 2023| Sydney | Vehicles vandalized with antisemitic graffiti; one set on fire. |
| Anti-Israel graffiti and car arson | December 11, 2023| Sydney | Car set ablaze; properties spray-painted with anti-Israel messages. |
| Newtown synagogue vandalism | December 2023 | Sydney | Synagogue vandalized and subjected to attempted arson.|
| St. Ives shooting gesture incident | december 2023 | Sydney | Man charged for making a shooting gesture near a place of worship. |
A Call for Unity
The rise in antisemitic incidents underscores the importance of community solidarity and government action. As Premier Minns stated, places of worship must remain sanctuaries of peace. The new security measures are a step in the right direction, but continued vigilance and cooperation between communities and authorities will be essential to combat hate and ensure safety.
For more information on how to support affected communities, visit NSW Government’s official website.—
what are your thoughts on the recent antisemitic incidents in Australia? Share your views in the comments below or join the conversation on social media using #SafeWorship.
Policy (SEPP) will provide funding for security upgrades, including CCTV cameras, fencing, and lighting, to protect religious institutions from vandalism and attacks.
NSW Premier Chris Minns emphasized the importance of these measures,stating,“No one should feel unsafe in their place of worship. These new security measures are a critical step in ensuring that all communities can practice their faith without fear.”
Community Reactions and Calls for Unity
Jewish community leaders have welcomed the government’s response but stressed the need for broader societal action to combat antisemitism.Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, highlighted the emotional toll these incidents take on the community.
“These attacks are not just acts of vandalism; they are acts of terror designed to intimidate and isolate the Jewish community,” Ryvchin said. “We need not only stronger security measures but also a united front against hate.”
Other religious and community leaders have also voiced their support for the Jewish community, calling for solidarity and collective action to address the root causes of hate crimes.
Key Takeaways
- Rising Antisemitism: Australia has seen a surge in antisemitic incidents, including vandalism, arson, and intimidation.
- Government Action: The NSW government has introduced new security measures to protect houses of worship.
- Community Resilience: Jewish leaders and allies are calling for unity and stronger societal efforts to combat hate.
Moving Forward
The recent wave of antisemitic incidents in Australia underscores the urgent need for vigilance, education, and community solidarity. While government measures are a crucial step, addressing the underlying causes of hate requires a collective effort from all sectors of society.
As the Jewish community continues to face these challenges, it is indeed essential for individuals, organizations, and leaders to stand together against hate and work toward a more inclusive and harmonious society.
For ongoing coverage and updates, stay tuned to reputable news sources and community organizations dedicated to combating antisemitism and promoting social cohesion.
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This article is based on facts from the original source and includes hyperlinks for further reading. All quotes are attributed to their respective sources.
