In a significant development, NSW police have arrested a 33-year-old man over the attempted arson of a synagogue in Sydney’s inner west suburb of Newtown earlier this month. The arrest marks a major breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into a troubling spate of antisemitic attacks across Sydney in recent months.
Premier Chris Minns hailed the arrest as a “big breakthrough” while revealing that a dedicated strike force of 40 full-time detectives is now working to apprehend those responsible for the wave of hate crimes targeting the Jewish community. “I want to make it absolutely clear that civic leaders and the leaders of NSW stand united against this kind of fear and intimidation,” Minns declared.
Suspect Charged Under Strike Force Pearl
The arrested individual, identified as Adam Edward Moule, appeared briefly at Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday. He was charged with destroying property using fire, possessing suspected stolen goods, and cultivating a prohibited plant.
Moule allegedly painted red swastikas on the front wall of the Newtown synagogue before igniting a clear liquid that quickly burned out. His arrest comes as the ninth under Strike Force Pearl, formed to investigate the concerning pattern of antisemitic incidents.
Second Arrest Imminent
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb indicated that a second arrest related to the Newtown synagogue attack is expected “shortly.” Overnight raids on two Camperdown properties linked to Moule yielded evidence that has been seized for further examination.
“All these [separate] matters are being dealt with seriously, and we will continue pursuing all lines of inquiry and investigate these matters to their fullest to identify the offenders,” Commissioner Webb affirmed.
– NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb
String of Antisemitic Incidents Under Investigation
The Newtown synagogue arson attempt is just one in a distressing series of antisemitic attacks to rock Sydney in recent months:
- December 2022 – A car was set alight and a home spray-painted with anti-Israel graffiti in Woollahra.
- January 2023 – A synagogue in Allawah was defaced with antisemitic vandalism.
- February 2023 – A childcare center in Maroubra was targeted in an arson attack.
Police report “very strong leads” in the Allawah and Maroubra incidents as the hunt for the perpetrators continues. Premier Minns revealed that a total of six major acts of antisemitic or anti-Israel graffiti have occurred in just the past two months.
Proactive Policing Ramps Up
In response to the alarming surge in hate-fueled attacks, NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley confirmed a bolstering of “proactive policing” measures in areas with large Jewish communities and at “places of significance.”
The united front presented by NSW Premier Minns and top law enforcement officials sends a powerful message condemning the insidious acts of antisemitism. However, with the perpetrators of several high-profile attacks still at large, Sydney’s Jewish community remains on high alert.
As Strike Force Pearl tirelessly works to bring those responsible to justice, Premier Minns’ poignant words resound: hate and fear have no place in NSW. The coming days and weeks will prove pivotal as authorities strive to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in this abhorrent crime spree – and begin the difficult process of rebuilding a sense of safety and security for Sydney’s shaken Jewish community.
