Australia's PM Calls for Unity Against Antisemitism Following Recent Attacks

In a recent series of distressing incidents in Sydney and Melbourne, Australian authorities are escalating their efforts to combat rising antisemitism in the wake of arson and vandalism against Jewish properties.

 

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned the recent spate of vandalism and arson targeting the Jewish community in Sydney and Melbourne as "hate crimes." An investigation has been launched by local police after a vehicle was set ablaze in Woollahra, a suburb in Sydney, and houses were defaced with anti-Israel graffiti. One message, scrawled on the fence of two properties, threatened violence against Israel. Albanese remarked to ABC News, "There’s no place for antisemitism in this country, or anywhere for that matter."

This incident follows a disturbing fire at a synagogue in Melbourne, which police are treating as a potential terrorist attack after a man sustained minor injuries. Authorities in Sydney are pursuing two suspects aged between 15 and 20, described as wearing dark clothing and face coverings, who fled the scene shortly after the incident. "We need public assistance to come forward and help identify those two people," stated New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb.

The recent vandalism in Sydney is not viewed as connected to the Melbourne episode, despite the coinciding increase in antisemitic sentiments. Premier Chris Minns acknowledged the intent behind these acts, saying they seem "specifically designed" to instigate fear in the Jewish community. He confirmed that he had been in discussions with Israeli Ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon and hinted at possible changes to laws to enhance protections against such crimes.

David Ossip, president of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, expressed the community's grief over the attacks but also emphasized their resolve to stand firm against fear tactics. The Australian Federal Police has formed a special taskforce to investigate the rise in antisemitism, which includes both the Melbourne synagogue fire and the vandalism incidents in Sydney.