Car burned after graffiti sprayed to ‘strike fear’
Graffiti scrawled in the midst of a Jewish community area wasn’t a random act of vandalism as leaders condemn the latest anti-Semitic hate crime as “abhorrent”.
A contractor cleans anti Israel graffiti on Magney St, Woollahra in Sydney, Wednesday, December 11, 2024. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas)
A graffiti attack has been condemned as the latest hate crime designed to strike fear into Jewish communities, as leaders worry about how the attacks could escalate.
The overnight incident in Sydney’s eastern suburbs is an “abhorrent anti-Semitic hate crime” following similar incidents across the country, the prime minister says.
Graffiti including ‘Kill Israiel’ (sic) was sprayed on buildings and footpaths in Woollahra, a suburb known for its Jewish community, in the early hours of Wednesday.
A car, believed to be stolen, which the perpetrators drove to the scene was set on fire on Magney Street, NSW police said.
Resources have been increased as officers follow all leads, Commissioner Karen Webb told reporters.
“What happened last night is disgusting, and there’s no place for hate of this nature in Sydney or anywhere in Australia,” she said.
Premier Chris Minns said it was a hate crime.
“A violent act of destruction, clearly anti-Semitic, designed to strike fear into the community that lives in this part of Sydney,” he told reporters.
The perpetrators, believed to be two males of slim build, aged between 15 and 20, wore face coverings and dark clothing.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it was an “anti-Semitic attack”.
“This isn’t an attack on a government, this is an attack on people because they happen to be Jewish,” he told ABC radio.
“This is a hate crime, it’s as simple as that.”
Mr Albanese said the perpetrators committed “abhorrent criminal behaviour”.
“This does not change anything that is occurring on the ground in the Middle East,” he said.
“This is an attack against their fellow Australians.”
Yasmin Catley, NSW Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, said: A police investigation is underway We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, acts of hatred and violence directed at our Jewish community. Every person has the right to feel safe in their own city, their homes, and their places of worship. We are committed to throwing everything we can behind this investigation and response and will provide further details on our actions in due course.”
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said acts of hate had no place in Australia and anti-Semitism was condemned wherever it occurred.
“Australian Jewish communities have a right to be and feel safe,” she said on social media.
The attack comes after the Adass Israel Synagogue at Ripponlea in Melbourne’s southeast was set alight in a pre-dawn attack on Friday while a number of people were inside.
Australian Federal Police have set up a special operation in response to the “likely” act of terrorism, which will investigate threats, violence and hatred towards the Jewish community and parliamentarians.
It will also investigate Wednesday’s attack, the second recent incident in Woollahra after buildings and vehicles were targeted in November.
A ute was set on fire, and multiple cars, a restaurant and other buildings were graffitied with anti-Israel messages.
Two men are in custody, charged over that attack.
Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin said it was designed to terrorise Jewish Australians.
“The Jewish community again wakes to scenes of terror and devastation,” he said.
“How long will this continue and with what horrors will it end?”
David Ossip, President of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies: We are outraged, appalled and deeply saddened at this morning’s antisemitic attack in Woollahra.
This is another attack on the Jewish community and on the fabric of our society.
Those who are responsible for this crime must face the full force of the law. Those who incite hate and violence against the Jewish community morning must face the full force of the law.
The sustained campaign of terror, intimidation and harassment directed at the Jewish community is a national crisis and we need swift action in response.”
Israel’s ambassador to Australia, Amir Maimon tweeted: “Yesterday, I visited the charred remains of the Adass Israel Synagogue. This morning, another despicable attack targeting Jews in Woollahra. This rising tide of antisemitism must end now. I spoke with Premier Chris Minns, who is committed to fighting antisemitism and safeguarding the Jewish community in NSW.”
In a statement Minister for Multiculturism Steve Kamper, commented: “The events which took place in Woollahra overnight are nothing short of abhorrent.
We unequivocally condemn violence and antisemitism in all its forms. We will continue to take the necessary steps to ensure our communities are protected.”
Alon Cassuto, CEO of the Zionist Federation of Australia, said: “Another day, another vile act of antisemitism in Australia. Graffiti in Woollahra declaring ‘Kill Israel’ is a thinly veiled call to ‘Kill Jews’ everywhere.
Jew-hatred is escalating into domestic terrorism, fuelled by the demonisation of Israel and a persistent failure to call out incitement.
The government’s drastic shifts on longstanding policy on Israel carry domestic consequences.
Chants of ‘Globalise the Intifada’ on our streets and campuses are translating into real-world hate. Antisemitism, disguised as anti-Zionism, threatens Jews, social cohesion, democracy, and the rule of law.”
Woollahra Council condemned ‘the second vile anti-Israel graffiti attack and torching of a vehicle in Woollahra’.
The Council stated: “In light of what we have seen in our local community in these past few weeks and in Melbourne recently, Council calls on the Premier of NSW and the Prime Minister to work together to put an immediate stop to this kind of hateful behaviour that threatens the safety of our local community and that has no place in Australia.”
Local state MP Kellie Sloane tweeted: “Another overnight attack on our community of Woollahra with a car set alight, 7 cars graffitied, buildings vandalised. Anti semitic slogans. This breaks my heart. These terrifying attacks on the Jewish community must stop. The culprits must face the full force of the law.
Federal Independent MP for Wentworth Allegra Spender tweeted: “I want to be crystal clear – perpetrators of these crimes must face the full force of the law. I am meeting with the NSW Police Minister to discuss what more can be done to stamp this out and keep our community safe.”
