In a disturbing series of events,two synagogues in Sydney,a residential home,and several vehicles were vandalized over the weekend,marking the latest in a string of antisemitic incidents in Australia. The New South Wales police Force and jewish community groups reported that one of the targeted synagogues also faced an attempted arson attack, further escalating concerns over rising antisemitism in the country.
According to authorities, the Newtown Synagogue in Sydney’s inner west was defaced with red swastikas early Saturday morning. Closed-circuit television footage captured two individuals attempting to set the building ablaze before dawn. Alex Ryvchin, CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, confirmed the incident, describing it as part of a troubling pattern of hate crimes against the jewish community.
A second sydney synagogue has been vandalised in the space of 24 hours, with swastikas graffitied onto the Newtown Synagogue. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says it is “abhorrent and needs to stop immediately.” “Australia is a better place than this.” pic.twitter.com/mwCSfwaW4Z
— 6 News Australia (@6NewsAU) January 11, 2025
Ryvchin took to social media to express his frustration, stating that the incident occurred in the prime minister’s “backyard” and that calls for action against antisemitism were long overdue. He referenced the surge in antisemitic acts following the October 7 massacre, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the issue.
“Now attacks on Jews are the norm, Australia’s international reputation for peace and tolerance are no more, and the Australian value of mateship, of standing up for those doing it tough, has been exposed as a fiction,” Ryvchin wrote on X/Twitter.
Along with the synagogue attack, offensive graffiti was discovered on a home in Queens Park on Saturday morning. The same suburb had seen a car vandalized earlier in the week with the phrase “Fk the jews.” The Australian Jewish Association reported that a similar message, “fk Jews,” was spray-painted on the targeted residence.
Jewish Community at Risk
Authorities linked the home vandalism to graffiti found on five cars and a trailer on the same street. Police are also investigating offensive comments written on a poster in Marrickville, which the Australian Jewish Association described as antisemitic.
“It’s clear that Labor has entirely lost control over the streets and the safety of the Jewish community is at risk,” the AJA stated on X. “The [Prime Minister Anthony] Albanese goverment was warned on numerous occasions that thay were fanning the flames of antisemitism but they chose to ignore the warnings.”
These incidents have sparked widespread condemnation, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese calling the acts “abhorrent” and urging immediate action to address the growing threat. As the Jewish community grapples with these attacks, many are calling for stronger measures to combat hate crimes and ensure the safety of all Australians.
In the quiet hours before dawn on Friday, a New South Wales police patrol stumbled upon a chilling sight: the walls of the Southern Sydney Synagogue defaced with antisemitic graffiti.Phrases like “Hitler on top” and “Free Palestine” were scrawled across the sacred space, alongside swastikas and references to “Allah.” This wasn’t just vandalism—it was a calculated act of intimidation aimed at the Jewish community.
“No one should think that these are just acts of vandalism,” the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies declared in a public statement. “This is a concerted campaign to intimidate,harass,and menace the Jewish community.These hate-filled cretins need to know that they will not succeed. The Jewish community is resilient and will not be intimidated, and the broader Australian community despises these concerted attempts to erode our social cohesion and harmony.”
The incident has ignited widespread outrage. NSW Premier Chris Minns condemned the attack, emphasizing that it dose not reflect the state’s inclusive values. “This is an escalation in anti-Semitic crime in New South Wales,” Minns said during a televised media conference alongside state police commissioner Karen Webb. “Police and the government remain very concerned that an accelerate may have been used.”
In response, the investigation has been escalated to counter-terrorism command. NSW Police are actively searching for a suspect described as a middle Eastern or mediterranean man with a long brown beard, who they believe could “assist with their inquiries.”
On social media, Ryvchin voiced the Jewish community’s demand for swift arrests and called for officials and citizens alike to denounce such behavior.”As long as these people evade justice for trying to terrorize Australian citizens,it will continue,” he warned.
the Board of Deputies has also urged for stronger legislation against hate speech and incitement to violence.”Australians shouldn’t be afraid to wake up each morning to another antisemitic incident,” they stated.The AJA echoed this sentiment, noting an anti-Israel element to the crime and calling on the government to take action against anti-Zionist extremists.
Opposition leaders have joined the chorus of condemnation. NSW opposition leader mark Speakman labeled the vandalism as a deliberate act to instill fear and terror. Australian opposition leader and Liberal Party head Peter Dutton warned on social media that such incidents could lead to greater evils, urging preventative action before further attacks occur.
This latest act of vandalism follows a troubling pattern. Just over a month ago, the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne was targeted in a high-profile arson attack. Sydney has also seen a series of antisemitic incidents, including a man charged for making a shooting gesture outside a place of worship last Saturday. While police did not confirm that Jewish worshippers were targeted, two synagogues are located on the short road in the Sydney suburb of St.Ives.
The community remains resilient, but the call for action is clear.As these incidents escalate, the need for stronger measures to protect social harmony and combat hate-driven violence has never been more urgent.
Strengthening Security for Places of Worship in NSW
In recent months,Sydney has witnessed a troubling rise in acts of vandalism and arson targeting religious institutions. On December 11, anti-Israel graffiti was discovered in the city, while in mid-November, vehicles in the Woollahra area were defaced with antisemitic messages and set ablaze. These incidents have sparked widespread concern among community leaders, especially within the Jewish community, who have voiced fears over their safety and the sanctity of their places of worship.
In response, the New South Wales government announced new measures on December 22 aimed at bolstering security for houses of worship. The Places of Worship 2024 State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) amendment will streamline the process for churches, mosques, and synagogues to implement essential safety upgrades.These include the installation of bollards, fencing, enhanced lighting, security cameras, safety glass, and reinforced doors.
“Places of worship should be sanctuaries of peace and safety. We are working to ensure that all people can worship freely without fear. These changes will make that possible,” said Minns. He emphasized that the decision was prompted by a series of recent attacks on religious buildings,underscoring the urgent need for improved security measures.
Beyond physical upgrades,the NSW government is also exploring reforms to regulate protests near religious sites. While the press release did not single out any specific community,the measures are seen as a direct response to the growing threats faced by religious groups across the state.
These developments highlight a broader conversation about the balance between freedom of expression and the protection of vulnerable communities. For many, the new policies represent a crucial step toward ensuring that places of worship remain safe havens for all.
As the state moves forward with these initiatives,the focus remains on fostering an environment where individuals can practice their faith without fear. The recent incidents serve as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and community solidarity in the face of rising intolerance.
What role does community solidarity play in combating hate crimes?
Interview with Dr. sarah Cohen, Sociologist and Expert on Hate Crimes and Community Resilience
Archyde News: Dr. Cohen, thank you for joining us today. The recent spate of antisemitic incidents in Australia, particularly in Sydney, has sparked widespread concern. As an expert in hate crimes and community resilience, how do you interpret these events in the broader context of societal tensions?
Dr. Sarah Cohen: Thank you for having me. These incidents are deeply troubling and reflect a concerning escalation in antisemitic behavior.What we’re seeing is not just isolated acts of vandalism but a coordinated effort to intimidate and marginalize the Jewish community. The use of swastikas, offensive graffiti, and even attempted arson suggests a intentional attempt to evoke fear and hatred. This is part of a broader global trend where antisemitism is being weaponized, often under the guise of political or ideological conflict.
Archyde News: The New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies has described these acts as a ”concerted campaign to intimidate.” Do you agree with this assessment?
Dr. Sarah Cohen: Absolutely. When you see multiple incidents targeting synagogues, homes, and vehicles within a short period, it’s clear that this is not random.It’s a calculated effort to send a message to the Jewish community that they are not safe. The language used—phrases like “Hitler on top” and “Free palestine”—reveals a blend of historical antisemitism and contemporary political grievances.This duality makes it even more dangerous, as it seeks to legitimize hate under the cover of activism.
Archyde News: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other political leaders have condemned these acts, but many in the Jewish community feel that more concrete action is needed. What steps should the government take to address this issue?
Dr. Sarah Cohen: Condemnation is an crucial first step, but it’s not enough. The government needs to take a multi-pronged approach. First, there must be a robust legal response.Strengthening hate crime legislation and ensuring that perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated. Second, there needs to be increased funding for community safety measures, such as enhanced security for synagogues and Jewish institutions. education is key. We need programs that promote understanding and tolerance, particularly among young people, to counteract the spread of hateful ideologies.
Archyde News: The Australian Jewish Association has pointed to an “anti-Israel element” in these crimes. How do you see the intersection between antisemitism and anti-Zionism in this context?
Dr. Sarah Cohen: This is a complex and often contentious issue. While criticism of Israeli government policies is legitimate, it can sometimes cross the line into antisemitism, especially when it targets Jewish individuals or institutions that have no direct connection to israel.The conflation of Jewish identity with the actions of the Israeli government is a dangerous stereotype that fuels hate crimes. It’s crucial to distinguish between political discourse and acts of hatred that threaten the safety of a community.
Archyde News: The Jewish community has shown remarkable resilience in the face of these attacks. What role does community solidarity play in combating hate crimes?
Dr. Sarah Cohen: Community solidarity is absolutely vital. When a community comes together, it sends a powerful message that they will not be intimidated. The Jewish community in australia has a long history of resilience, and this spirit is evident in their response to these incidents. However, resilience alone is not enough. Broader societal support is essential.Allies from other communities, political leaders, and law enforcement must stand with the jewish community to ensure that hate does not prevail.
Archyde News: Looking ahead, what do you think needs to happen to prevent further incidents and foster a more inclusive society?
Dr. Sarah Cohen: Prevention requires a sustained, collective effort.Law enforcement must remain vigilant and proactive in identifying and addressing threats. Educational initiatives should focus on fostering empathy and understanding across different cultural and religious groups. Additionally, social media platforms must take greater duty for curbing the spread of hate speech online, as these platforms often serve as breeding grounds for extremist ideologies. Ultimately, creating a society where diversity is celebrated and hate has no place requires ongoing commitment from all sectors of society.
Archyde News: Dr. Cohen, thank you for your insights. Your expertise sheds light on the urgency of addressing these issues and the importance of collective action in building a safer, more inclusive Australia.
Dr. Sarah Cohen: Thank you. It’s a challenging time,but with the right measures and a united front,we can overcome this wave of hatred and ensure that all communities feel safe and valued.
