Leaders condemn recent antisemitic attack in Woollahra as Jewish community reels

·

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.”

WARNING FEE APPLIES – MUST CREDIT ONSCENE BONDI: Police are on scene after an Anti-Semitic fire attack in Woollahra in Sydney’s east. Picture: onScene Bondi

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.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

I understand Greek but struggle to speak it – how can I overcome that barrier

Understanding but not speaking is a common experience of heritage language or background language communities. 

Cyprus: Historical and political responsibilities of a national tragedy (Part 2)

In the previous article, we mentioned that with the Annan Plan we would now have a Federation of two states.

Melbourne seminar on Gemistos Plethon and the Eastern influence on the Western Renaissance

It’s hard to imagine that the great shift towards modern mathematical science was way back in the early 1400s.

A slice of sweetness: Niki Louca shares her beloved Apple Cake recipe

Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for Apple Cake with The Greek Herald. You can follow her on Instagram.

Greece continues to hold strong appeal for Australian travellers, new report finds

Greece remains among the top 15 travel destinations for tourists from the U.S., Canada, and Australia, while significantly gaining popularity in India.

You May Also Like

Multicultural Domestic Family Violence Centre to be established in NSW

A Minns Labor Government will partner with SSI to establish new specialist multicultural domestic and family violence centre.

Greek city to use Christmas money for more ICU beds

the donation to the state-run Serres General Hospital was expected to total 110,000 euros.

Kalamata Mayor announces opening of Office for the Diaspora after visit to Australia

The Greek city of Kalamata is set to open an Office for the Diaspora, Mayor Athanasios Vasilopoulos announced on Wednesday.