Leon Sofilas, 37, has been charged in connection with an arson attack on the former home of Jewish leader Alex Ryvchin in Dover Heights, Sydney.
The attack, which occurred on January 17, involved antisemitic graffiti, the burning of two vehicles, and red paint thrown at the property, as reported in The Australian.
Ryvchin, the co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, had sold the home three years earlier, making the attack even more perplexing.
Sofilas, who was already in a correctional facility after being charged with attempted arson at a Newtown synagogue on January 11, was arrested alongside 33-year-old Adam Moule. Both men, who have extensive criminal records, have pleaded not guilty, citing concerns for their safety and health issues while in detention.
NSW Police are continuing their investigations under Strike Force Pearl, a task force dedicated to addressing hate crimes in Sydney. Authorities are examining whether the attack was part of a broader wave of antisemitic incidents in the city.
Sofilas and Moule remain in custody and are set to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on April 3, 2025.
Source: The Australian
