A recent antisemitic attack in Sydney’s eastern suburb of Woollahra has sparked widespread outrage from political leaders and community members.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday morning, involved the vandalism of buildings and the graffiti of offensive antisemitic slogans. A vehicle at the scene was also set alight, with Fire and Rescue NSW extinguishing the blaze around 1 am.
Police are investigating the attack and believe the vehicle, which was torched, was stolen and not owned by a local resident.
NSW Premier Chris Minns condemned the attack as “a disgusting display of antisemitism,” emphasising that it was “specifically designed to, in my view, incite hate and intimidate the Jewish community in Sydney.”
Premier Minns said the government would respond with increased security efforts, highlighting the continuation of Operation Shelter, which will be fully resourced to ensure public safety amid heightened tensions.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb confirmed that police presence would be stepped up with “increased patrols” and more community engagement.
“We’re actually taking police and dedicating them to Operation Shelter,” Webb said. “Police will be out there.”
The President of Emanuel Synagogue in Woollahra, Grant McCorquodale, said the attack had left people “genuinely scared.”
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his outrage, calling the attack “an outrage” and affirming that there is “no place for hatred or antisemitism in our community.”
The PM also pledged to be briefed by the newly-formed antisemitism task force, Operation Avalite, which will investigate threats and violence targeting the Jewish community.
NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, Steve Kamper, also issued a joint statement on the attack, along with Chair of the Multicultural NSW Advisory Board, Nick Kaldas APM, and Multicultural NSW CEO Joseph La Posta. They said “the events which took place in Woollahra overnight are nothing short of abhorrent.”
“Our multicultural and multifaith society is one of our greatest achievements, but it can’t be taken for granted. It requires constant work to ensure harmony is maintained,” the statement added.
“We must continue to reject the importation of overseas conflict and instead aim to empathise, to listen and to respond to global issues as a unified community, as Australians.”
The Ethnic Communities Council of NSW (ECCNSW) also issued a statement today condemning “in the strongest possible terms” recent incidents of violence against the Jewish community both in Melbourne and in Sydney.
With tensions running high, community leaders and politicians are united in their condemnation of this act of hate, and authorities are working to ensure greater security in the affected areas.
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald.
