Newtown Synagogue attack investigated as attempted arson
The investigation into the graffiti attack on Newtown Synagogue has revealed that the perpetrators intended to burn the building down, escalating the incident from vandalism to an attempted act of terrorism.
Man captured by CCTV at the Southern Synagogue Image: NSW Police
Police confirmed the use of an accelerant in the early Saturday morning attack, which involved antisemitic graffiti and a failed arson attempt. The fire, which self-extinguished within minutes, caused minor damage but has deeply unsettled Sydney’s Jewish community and drawn widespread condemnation.
David Ossip, President of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, described the attack as an intentional attempt to destroy a sacred space. “The hateful criminals who attacked Newtown Synagogue weren’t just attempting to deface a place of worship, they were seeking to destroy it,” he said. “This was a failed act of terrorism which risked the safety and property of residents peacefully sleeping in their homes near the Synagogue.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns called the attempted arson a “massive escalation” in antisemitic crimes and pledged additional resources to address the rise in hate incidents. “We live in a beautiful, multicultural community, but it rests on the premise that people are free to practice their religion free from discrimination, violence, hatred, and racism,” Minns said. “We remain appalled at these crimes, which will not be tolerated.”
The police investigation has been taken over by the counter-terrorism command under Strike Force Pearl, which will coordinate with State Crime and local police. Commissioner Karen Webb emphasized the seriousness of the incident, stating, “This is not just hate—it’s malicious, and it could [have caused] the death of individuals if that fire had taken hold.”
Police at Newtown Synagogue
Police have released CCTV footage showing two suspects—a man on a mountain bike and a woman on a motorized scooter—whom they believe are responsible for the attack. Authorities are appealing for public assistance in identifying the pair.
Ossip welcomed the additional resources allocated to investigating this and other recent antisemitic crimes. “To restore deterrence, it is imperative that the perpetrators of all of these crimes are swiftly apprehended and receive serious penalties,” he said. He also acknowledged the NSW Government’s commitment to enhancing Jewish communal security, noting the recent allocation of additional funding and plans to strengthen laws addressing vilification and incitement to violence.
Person captured by CCTV at the Souther Sydney Synagogue
Photo: NSW Police
The Newtown Synagogue attack is one of several antisemitic incidents in Sydney in recent days, including swastikas and offensive messages spray-painted on the Southern Sydney Synagogue in Allawah on Friday. Additional graffiti targeting the Jewish community was reported in Queens Park and Marrickville.
These incidents reflect a broader rise in antisemitic hate crimes in Australia, with the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) reporting a 316% increase over the past year. Ossip acknowledged the challenges facing the Jewish community but reaffirmed its resilience. “The past week has been another challenging period for the Jewish community, but we are a strong and resilient community which remains unbowed in the face of continued attempts to intimidate and menace us,” he said.
As police intensify their investigation, Premier Minns and Commissioner Webb have reiterated their determination to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety of all communities in New South Wales.
Newtown Sygagogue’s Rabbi Feldman posted: “It is frustrating, infuriating and sad that this has happened. The people who did this are cowards frankly, and it is good that we have taken the security measures we have, so the fence did its job, the CCTV did its job, and we continue to do ours which is to be a light in the community and to the world.
Services and the Shiur went ahead yesterday as usual, and will be back next week again. Because we are not going to be intimidated by people painting things on our wall.
Anyone with information about these acts should contact Crime Stoppers 1800-333-000.
