A car has been set alight and several cars and properties were graffitied with anti-Israel slogans in the suburb of Woollahra in Sydney’s east.
This comes just days after a Jewish synagogue was firebombed in Melbourne while worshippers were inside the building.
It is also the second time that Woollahra has been subject to anti-Semitic attacks.
Speaking on Dec. 11, New South Wales (NSW) Premier Chris Minns said he spoke to Israel’s ambassador to Australia and made it clear that the incident is regarded as a “disgusting display of anti-Semitism.”
“This was deliberate attack in my view designed to put fear into the hearts of people who live in Sydney’s east. It’s also important to note that Woollahra has a large Jewish population,” he said.
Minns told reporters he was concerned about the rising attacks and “outright anti-Semitism” on the streets of Sydney and other capital cities.
“I don’t think there’s any point in sugar coating it or downplaying it. This isn’t just a random act of destruction, this was specifically designed to, in my view, incite hate, and intimidate the Jewish community in Sydney,” he said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the incident in the eastern suburbs of Sydney was an “outrage.”
Liberal Member for Vaucluse Kellie Sloane, who represents the Woollahra community, said the situation broke her heart.
‘Scenes of Terror’
Meanwhile, Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-CEO Alex Ryvchin said the Jewish community had again woken to scenes of terror and devastation.“More burning cars and broken glass. Another act intended to terrorise us, drive us from our country and make our fellow Australians fearful of associating with us. How long will this continue and with what horrors will it end?”
Further, the Australian Jewish Association CEO Robert Gregory described the latest anti-Jewish arson attack, the second in weeks, as a turning point.
What Did Police Say?
NSW Police confirmed an investigation was underway after vehicles and buildings were damaged in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.Police said that at about 1 a.m. on Dec. 11, emergency services responded to reports of a vehicle on fire in Magney Street, Woollahra.
“Fire and Rescue NSW extinguished the fire. This vehicle, along with another, two buildings and the footpath along Magney Street were graffitied,” police said.
“Officers attached to Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command established a crime scene, and an investigation has commenced into the incident.”
As NSW Police continue to investigate, they indicated they want to speak with two people who they believe were near the site at the time of the incident.
“They are described as of slim build, between 15-20 years of age, wearing face coverings, and dark clothing,” Police said.
“Anyone with information in relation to this incident is urged to contact Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”
NSW Police commissioner Karen Webb said a full police response is under way, including local, regional and terrorism police.
“There are still a very active crime scene investigation at that location in Woollahra and police have been working around the clock to follow all leads. It will be an extensive investigation and it will take time,” she told reporters.
“How do we prevent this, that’s the question we need to be asking ourselves.”
