Southern Sydney Synagogue defaced in shocking anti-semitic attack
The Southern Sydney Synagogue has been vandalised in a disturbing massive graffiti attack.
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Police discovered the vandalism at around 4:30 a.m. and alerted synagogue president George Foster who found hateful messages scrawled across the cream brick building, with graffiti covering multiple sides in the suburb of Allawah.
A spokesperson for NSW Police said that the incident is believed to have occurred between 3.55am and 4.30am today (Friday 10 January 2025). The attackers used red and black spray paint to leave approximately ten messages, including explicit slurs, large swastikas, and references to “f**king Jews,” “Hitler,” “Allah,” and “Free Palestine”. Security camera footage captured two individuals, masked and wearing black hoodies, carrying out the crime. Police are dedicating significant resources to identify and apprehend the culprits.
Speaking to J-Wire, Foster, a child of Holocaust survivors, described the attack as deeply distressing and reminiscent of antisemitic defacement seen in 1930s Europe. “This brings back images of 1933,” he said, emphasizing the emotional toll of the explicit language and symbols. He also highlighted the synagogue’s painful history, recalling a firebombing in 1991 and a graffiti attack in 2002.
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New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, whose electorate includes the synagogue, visited the site by 9 a.m., expressing his solidarity with the Jewish community. He coordinated with local authorities to expedite the graffiti’s removal. Foster praised Minns as “very supportive” and instrumental in helping the synagogue begin to heal from the attack.
Minns expressed his horror at the incident, condemning it in the strongest terms. “I am horrified by this shocking image of yet another antisemitic attack in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. This is an abhorrent act of vandalism and will not be tolerated,” Minns said. He acknowledged the steep rise in antisemitic incidents, calling it “deeply alarming,” and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to countering the surge in hateful and violent acts. “We are sending the message that this is not only intolerable – it is an outrage. Jewish people expect and deserve to feel safe in their own city.”
Minns also highlighted efforts under Operation Shelter, an initiative that has increased police resources dedicated to combating hate crimes. “Last month, NSW Police increased resources dedicated to Operation Shelter. As part of this ongoing operation, additional police have been tasked with high-visibility patrols and community engagement to keep communities safe,” he stated. He issued a direct warning to the perpetrators: “To whoever committed this act – you will be found, and you will face the full force of the law.”
David Ossip, President of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, stated “enough is enough. It isn’t normal or acceptable that Australians are having to wake up every morning filled with apprehension about whether or not there’s been another antisemitic hate crime overnight.”
“This illegal behaviour is reprehensible and undermines the social harmony and cohesion which we all treasure. We cannot allow ourselves to become desensitised to acts of Jew-hatred and allow illegal conduct such as this to become normalised. The alleged offenders must be swiftly identified and prosecuted and receive penalties sufficient to ensure that such conduct is deterred and not normalised.”
Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin called on the alleged offenders to “face the full force of the law”. “As long as these people evade justice for trying to terrorise Australian citizens, it will continue,” Mr Ryvchin added.
“We’re also calling on our fellow Australians, particularly those in positions of influence across society, to end the silence and publicly denounce this behaviour as repugnant to our national values and a threat to us all.”
The incident has reignited calls for stronger measures to combat antisemitism in Australia. Community leaders and advocacy groups have stressed the importance of education and legal action to deter future hate crimes. As investigations continue, the synagogue remains steadfast, serving as a reminder of the resilience of Jewish communities in the face of adversity. Police are urging anyone with information about the attack to come forward.
This attack on the Southern Sydney Synagogue is the latest in a troubling pattern of antisemitic incidents across Australia, including the recent firebombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne and numerous instances of hate-filled graffiti and threats targeting Jewish communities.
Despite today’s attack, George Foster underscored the synagogue’s resilience. ‘We really have to keep going. This is not going to stop the shul from moving ahead, from continuing with our services and our social events,’ he said.
Well said Louise. Should be broadcast loud and clear, far and wide!
I am alarmed and disgusted. Australia Day is coming. I am a descendant of the first fleet via a royal marine and his brave wife and children who accompanied him. Jewish people were also part of the first fleet and together with non Jews helped to build our nation into a respectful and considerate nation together. Jewish people were here from the beginning not to mention part of the ANZACS and fought beside us in all wars. Please emphasize this reality to the public of Australia. Where did these anti semetic creeps come from that try to divide our community of harmony. Deport them to whence they come immediately.