Man charged over antisemitic graffiti in Sydney’s east
A 23-year-old man has faced court after being charged over a wave of antisemitic graffiti attacks across Sydney’s eastern suburbs that occurred last month. NSW Police allege the man defaced multiple vehicles, garages, and walls with antisemitic messages in the areas of Kingsford and Randwick on Sunday, February 2, 2025. The graffiti, described as offensive and hateful, triggered widespread condemnation from both community leaders and local residents.
Antisemitic graffiti (Randwick Council Facebook)
The graffiti, described as offensive and hateful, triggered widespread condemnation from both community leaders and local residents.
The arrest was made early Wednesday morning, March 26, when Strike Force Pearl detectives, assisted by the Public Order and Riot Squad, executed a search warrant at a home on Solander Road in Daceyville. The 23-year-old was arrested at the scene and taken to Maroubra Police Station, where he was formally charged with two counts of destroying or damaging property in the company under section 195(1A)(a) of the Crimes Act. He was refused bail and appeared in Waverley Local Court via audiovisual link later that day.
Police seek public help after antisemitic threats in Sydney Hospital Elevator
In a separate incident, police are appealing to the public for help identifying a man involved in an alleged antisemitic incident that occurred inside an elevator in St George Hospital in Sydney’s south.
According to NSW Police, the incident took place around 4:10pm on Friday, February 28, 2025, at a hospital located on the Princes Highway in Kogarah. A 28-year-old man was riding in an elevator when an unknown man entered and allegedly made antisemitic threats and comments during the ride. The victim reported the encounter to authorities, prompting an investigation by the St George Police Area Command.
Man in elevator at St George Hospital (NSW Police)
The suspect is described as wearing a grey t-shirt, blue shorts, and black shoes at the time of the incident. While the specific content of the remarks has not been released, police have classified the incident as hate-related and are treating it seriously in light of a broader rise in antisemitic behaviour across parts of New South Wales.
As part of their investigation, detectives have released CCTV images of a man they believe may be able to assist with their inquiries. The footage shows a person matching the description given by the victim entering the elevator at the hospital.
Authorities are urging anyone who may recognise the man in the CCTV images or who has any information related to the incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or St George Police Area Command directly. All information will be treated confidentially.
Strike Force Pearl was launched in December 2024 in response to a concerning rise in antisemitic incidents across New South Wales. Since its inception, the task force has led to the arrest of 31 individuals and the laying of 153 charges. In February, police doubled the investigative capacity of the operation by assigning an additional 40 detectives to bolster efforts. Authorities say this move has already accelerated progress on several related cases.
NSW Police indicated that they remain committed to tackling hate crimes and have urged the public to report any suspicious or hate-motivated activity. The Jewish community has expressed support for the ongoing investigation, with many calling for continued vigilance and stronger community education efforts to combat the spread of antisemitism.
