In a disturbing surge of antisemitic hatred, multiple synagogues and Jewish homes across Sydney have been targeted by vandals scrawling swastikas and other offensive graffiti. The attacks, which NSW Premier Chris Minns has strongly denounced as “monstrous and appalling,” have left the local Jewish community shaken and on high alert.
Newtown Synagogue Set Ablaze
The most brazen incident occurred on Saturday morning at a synagogue in Sydney’s inner-west suburb of Newtown. Witnesses reported seeing a man and woman spray-painting large red swastikas across the front wall of the house of worship before attempting to set the building on fire with an accelerant. While the flames self-extinguished within minutes, NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb emphasized the severity of the hate crime:
This is not just hate, this is malicious and it is damage. And it could go to the death of individuals if that fire had have taken hold.
Karen Webb, NSW Police Commissioner
Antisemitic Graffiti Spree Continues
The Newtown attack followed a similar incident on Friday, where swastikas were found scrawled across the Southern Sydney Synagogue in Allawah. Offensive comments were also written on a poster in nearby Marrickville. Just hours after the Newtown vandalism, more antisemitic graffiti was spray-painted on a house in Queens Park in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
Premier Minns, whose electoral district of Kogarah encompasses the Allawah synagogue, expressed his outrage and called on the community to stand united against such hateful division:
These people are determined to divide our community in two. We will always call out these acts for what they are – monstrous and appalling.
Chris Minns, NSW Premier
Comprehensive Police Response Underway
NSW Police have launched an extensive investigation into the string of antisemitic attacks, with the Counter Terrorism Command taking the lead under Strike Force Pearl. Commissioner Webb made an impassioned plea for anyone with information about the perpetrators to come forward:
We appeal to anyone out there who knows who has perpetrated these disgusting offences to come forward and tell police who they are. We will continue pursuing them until we find them.
Karen Webb, NSW Police Commissioner
Increased Security for Jewish Institutions
Recognizing the heightened threat to the Jewish community, Premier Minns announced that the government would provide a one-off $340,000 grant to enhance temporary security measures at synagogues, schools and community centers. He emphasized that additional police resources and upgraded security protocols would be rolled out in the coming weeks to ensure the safety of the Jewish community during this “fraught time”.
The Sydney attacks are part of a troubling global trend of rising antisemitism in recent years. Jewish communities worldwide have reported dramatic increases in hate crimes, from verbal harassment to vandalism to violent assaults. The COVID-19 pandemic saw antisemitic conspiracy theories proliferate online, often blaming Jews for the virus or vaccine misinformation.
In the face of such vicious bigotry, political and community leaders have emphasized the importance of standing in solidarity with Jewish communities. Publicly condemning antisemitic incidents, enhancing security measures, and investing in anti-racism education are seen as critical steps in pushing back against the scourge of antisemitism.
As the police investigation into the Sydney attacks continues, Premier Minns encapsulated the feeling of many in the community as they grapple with this latest spasm of anti-Jewish hatred:
We live in a beautiful, multicultural community, but it rests on the premise that people are free to practise their religion, free from discrimination, violence, hatred and racism.
Chris Minns, NSW Premier
The shocking vandalism has only strengthened the resolve of political leaders, law enforcement and the broader Sydney community to confront antisemitism head-on. In a world where the oldest hatred persists, constant vigilance and unity in the face of intolerance remain essential.
