In a chilling attack that has sent shockwaves through Australia’s Jewish community, vandals defaced a Sydney synagogue with swastikas in the early hours of Saturday morning. The brazen hate crime, which occurred in the suburb of Newtown, has prompted counter-terrorism police to take over the investigation as concerns mount over escalating antisemitism in the country.
Swastikas Spray-Painted, Fire Set at Newtown Synagogue
Sometime around 4:30 AM on Saturday, a male and female perpetrator spray-painted large red swastikas across the front wall of the synagogue in Newtown, located in Sydney’s inner west. Disturbingly, they also ignited a clear liquid that burned briefly but had the potential for deadly consequences had the fire taken hold, according to NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb.
This was a failed act of terrorism which risked the safety and property of residents peacefully sleeping in their homes near the synagogue.
David Ossip, NSW Jewish Board of Deputies President
Series of Antisemitic Incidents Across Sydney
The Newtown attack was just the latest in a spate of antisemitic vandalism incidents across Sydney in recent days:
- Similar swastika graffiti spray-painted on a home in Queens Park and cars and a trailer vandalized just hours before the synagogue attack
- Southern Sydney Synagogue in Allawah defaced with swastikas on Friday
- Offensive comments written on a poster in Marrickville also under investigation
Police have released images of suspects in the Newtown and Allawah incidents, hoping the public can assist in identifying the perpetrators of these hate crimes.
Calls for Stronger Action Against Rising Antisemitism
Jewish leaders have condemned the attacks and are calling for more to be done to address the alarming rise in antisemitic incidents in Australia. The surge in hate speech and intimidation has been linked to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.
Antisemitism, Islamophobia and racism against Arabs and Palestinians has dramatically increased.
Giridharan Sivaraman, Race Discrimination Commissioner
While Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has defended his government’s actions to curb antisemitism, including banning Nazi salutes and hate symbols, the opposition argues more needs to be done to strengthen anti-hate laws and establish a dedicated federal police antisemitism taskforce.
Community Stands United Against Hate
As the police investigation into the synagogue attack continues, political and community leaders have come together to condemn these acts of hate and intimidation. NSW Acting Premier Penny Sharpe expressed confidence that counter-terrorism police have the skills and resources to apprehend those responsible.
These ongoing gutless attacks are against everything our multicultural and multi-faith inner west community stands for.
Darcy Byrne, Inner West Mayor
As Australians grapple with this disturbing trend, it is clear that a united front is needed to combat the scourge of antisemitism and hate. From increased law enforcement efforts to community solidarity, the nation must come together to ensure that such vile acts have no place in a diverse and tolerant society.
