In a disturbing trend, two synagogues in Sydney have been targeted by antisemitic vandals who defaced the sacred spaces with swastikas. The attacks, which occurred within days of each other, have shocked the Jewish community and prompted strong condemnation from political leaders.
The most recent incident took place at the Newtown synagogue in Sydney’s inner west. Congregants arrived on Saturday morning to find large red swastikas spray painted across the front wall of the building. Police were called to the scene and are investigating the hate crime.
Just a day earlier, the Southern Sydney Synagogue in Allawah was similarly vandalized with swastikas. That attack took place in the electorate of NSW Premier Chris Minns, who denounced the perpetrators as “bastards … with hate in their hearts”.
Premier and Jewish Leaders Condemn “Monstrous” Acts
Premier Minns issued a forceful statement condemning the antisemitic attacks. “These people are determined to divide our community in two. We will always call out these acts for what they are – monstrous and appalling,” he declared. The premier urged any witnesses to come forward to assist the police investigation.
“No one should think that these are just acts of vandalism. This is a concerted campaign to intimidate, harass and menace the Jewish community.”
– David Ossip, NSW Jewish Board of Deputies President
The president of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, David Ossip, said the vandalism should sicken all Australians. He emphasized that these were not mere acts of graffiti, but a coordinated effort to threaten and harass the Jewish community.
Community Resilience in the Face of Hate
Despite the disturbing nature of these attacks, Jewish leaders expressed determination not to be cowed by the antisemitic intimidation. “The Jewish community is resilient and will not be intimidated and the broader Australian community despises these concerted attempts to erode our social cohesion and harmony,” Ossip declared.
The Sydney incidents are part of a troubling rise in antisemitism in Australia in recent months. In December, a synagogue in Melbourne was firebombed in a devastating attack that drew condemnation from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Increased Security Measures Announced
In response to the vandalism, Premier Minns announced a one-time $340,000 grant to bolster security for the Jewish community in New South Wales. The funding will go towards enhanced temporary protective measures at synagogues and other Jewish institutions.
Australia is home to around 100,000 Jews, with major communities in Sydney and Melbourne. While generally a safe and welcoming country, the recent spate of antisemitic incidents has put the community on edge and highlighted the need for vigilance against hate.
As police continue to investigate the Sydney synagogue attacks, Jewish leaders are calling on all Australians to stand in solidarity against antisemitism and all forms of bigotry. The ultimate goal, they say, is to preserve the nation’s cherished values of social harmony and mutual respect in the face of those who seek to divide.
