11 Cars Damaged in Anti-Jewish Vandalism Spree

The Australian Jewish Association has criticised the Labor government’s position on the Middle East.

Members of the Australian Jewish community hold an Israeli flag during a memorial service in Sydney, Australia, on Oct. 7, 2024, to mark the anniversary of Palestinian militant group Hamas's Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel. David Gray/AFP via Getty Images

The Australian Jewish Association (AJA) has condemned “disturbing” scenes of hate on Sydney’s streets after 11 vehicles in a Jewish enclave were targeted by vandalism and arson.

Just after midnight on Nov. 21, police responded to multiple reports of a vehicle on fire on Wellington Street, Woollahra.

Officers discovered another ten cars graffitied with offensive slogans like: “[Expletive] Israel”

“It is shocking to see political violence like this play out in the streets of Australia,” Gregory told The Epoch Times.

“There is no justification for targeting Jews and other Australians over a conflict on the other side of the world.”

Leaders Condemn the Attacks

While both New South Wales Premier Chris Minns and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attacks, Gregory said he believed a weak approach from Labor had allowed violence to flourish.

“Labor has looked on as an increasingly violent anti-Israel movement has taken over Australian streets,” he said.

“The Jewish community has been begging authorities to take this seriously.

“Many feel that Labor refuses to act because it is too focused on winning votes in Western Sydney.”

Gregory said the attack was part of a bigger problem brewing in Australia.

“When Australians are being prevented from taking their children to see the Myer Christmas windows, or told to stay at home for their own safety because the Opera House steps were taken over by an antisemitic mob, it’s clear we have a problem,” he said.

“This is just the latest attack against social cohesion in Australia.”

Minns deemed the attacks as deplorable, unacceptable, and un-Australian, while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned them as “disturbing.”

“I have seen the images of last night’s act of antisemitism in Sydney,” he said in a statement.

“These are disturbing scenes and deeply troubling to all Australians.

“There is no place for antisemitism in Australia. Conflicts overseas cannot be made a platform for prejudice at home.”

Police Launch Special Task Force

Police confirmed they are setting up a special task force to investigate the incident. Officers from Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command have established a crime scene and are appealing for public assistance.

While no injuries were reported, the incidents have heightened concerns over rising antisemitism and its impact on Australian society.

Police are set to address the media later on Nov. 21.

In a statement provided to The Epoch Times, they confirmed that Fire and Rescue New South Wales had to extinguish the vehicle fire.

Ten cars on Wellington, Fullerton, Tara, and Ocean Streets were also vandalised.

The door of a unit complex on Ocean St was also graffitied, police said.

Anyone with information on the attacks is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.