Sydney’s Bondi Beach Buildings Sprayed With the Word ‘Hamas’

Australia lists Hamas as an official terrorist organisation.

A council worker is seen removing Hamas-related graffiti at Bronte Beach in Sydney, Australia, on Oct. 21, 2024. AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi

Police are continuing to investigate after the word “Hamas” was graffitied on infrastructure at multiple Sydney beaches including Bondi.

New South Wales (NSW) Police said they responded to reports of “offensive graffiti” located on the walls of multiple structures in Bronte, Tamarama, and Bondi Beach.

“An investigation into the incident commenced, and as inquiries continue, investigators have released images of a man they believe might be able to assist with inquires,” police said.

“The male is depicted wearing a grey long sleeve shirt, black jeans, white/grey shoes, a grey beanie and blue face mask.”

The police said anyone with CCTV and or dashcam vision related to this incident should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

NSW Police said there were no further updates on any arrests when contacted by The Epoch Times.

The Australian government lists Hamas as a terrorist organisation under division 102 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.

Hamas launched an attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and capturing 250 hostages, many of which are either dead or still being held captive.

‘Increase in Intimidation’: Jewish Community

Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin said people need to think about the effect of their conduct and face consequences for their action.

He said the graffiti was a continuation of an increase in intimidation against the Jewish community.

“We urge the authorities to investigate and put an end to this hatred,” he added.

“We should not have to face these acts of support for a group that just carried out the mass slaughter of our brethren and has pledged to attack Jews throughout the world.”

The Australian Jewish Association said they had received reports of another wave of vandalism on Oct. 21 and that  antisemitism has “skyrocketed across Australia.”

“It’s time for the government to start taking antisemitism seriously, the association said on X.

Meanwhile, City of Sydney for Palestine and the Palestine Justice Movement Sydney are planning a rally outside Bayside Council on Oct. 23 to support a ceasefire motion and boycott-divest sanctions.

“In November 2023, Bayside Council voted down a Ceasefire motion. With a new Council and more organised community, we could win this, and galvanise other communities to demand their Council break ties with Israel,” the group said.

“Councils need to break ties with Israel and the companies that assist in implementing genocide. Ratepayers should not be aiding Israel’s genocide.”

Blinken Heading to Israel And Other Middle East Nations

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Israel and other Middle Eastern countries this week with a goal to free hostages and alleviate Palestinians from “Hamas’ tyranny.”

“Throughout the region, Secretary Blinken will discuss the importance of bringing the war in Gaza to an end, securing the release of all hostages, and alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people,” U.S Department of State spokesman Matthew Miller said.