A man has been charged with 21 offences following a police investigation into an antisemitic attack on the Jewish community in Woollahra, part of Sydney’s affluent eastern suburbs.
Ten vehicles and buildings were allegedly damaged in Sydney’s eastern suburbs in the early hours on Nov. 21 with one being set on fire. The damage bill amounted to more than $100,000.
Following an investigation, police arrested a 20 year-old man at Sydney Airport in Mascot at 3.50 a.m. on Nov. 25.
The man is alleged to have spray-painted the words: “[Expletive] Israel” and “PKK Coming”—an abbreviation for the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, considered a terrorist group by the Turkish and Australian governments.
The man has been charged with 14 counts of allegedly destroying or damaging property, and three counts of entering a building with intent to commit an indictable offence.
In addition, he was charged with destroying property with fire, and disguising himself with intent to commit an indictable offence.
“Fire and Rescue NSW extinguished the fire, however, the vehicle was destroyed. This vehicle and a further nine vehicles parked along Wellington Street, Tara Street, Fullerton Street and Ocean Street were also allegedly graffitied.”
“Another vehicle allegedly received minor damage as a result of the fire. The total estimated value is believed to be in excess of $70,000.”
In addition, three buildings located on Ocean Street and Fullerton Street were also graffitied with an estimated damage bill between $20,000 to $30,000.
Following the incident, a crime scene was established, and an investigation commenced under Strike Force Mylor.
The man who was charged was refused bail and will appear at the at the Downing Centre Local Court.
The attack was one of many against the overseas Jewish community since Hamas launched an attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
Wide Condemnation of Attack
In response to vandalism spree, Liberal Senator Dave Sharma described it as “abhorrent.”“This is just the latest in a series of attacks on our Jewish community designed to intimidate, threaten and silence, and is an attack on values we all must cherish and protect as Australians.
“They are motivated by hate, they are hateful acts on members of our community ... None of this will be tolerated in 2024 in Sydney.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also described the scenes as “disturbing” and “deeply troubling to all Australians.”
Pro-Palestine Protest At Caufield Synagogue Planned
Meanwhile, pro-Palestine protestors are planning to rally at a synagogue in Caufield in Victoria on Nov. 25.The Australian Jewish Association said they are closely monitoring the potentially “ugly protest.”
“Last time, when an antisemitic mob gathered outside a Synagogue in Caulfield, it forced services to be cancelled. Police failed the community and allowed the mob to physically attack Jews.”
The AJA said many members of the Jewish community are “ready to defend themselves, their families and their community if the police fail once more.
“When the leadership at the top fuels antisemitism, it leads to Synagogues being targeted,” the AJA said.
In response to the reaction from the Jewish community, Free Palestine Coalition Narm shared an update on their social media page encouraging supporters to place a banner or note about their protest, and to vacate the site.
“Therefore we will attend to place a banner, poster or playcard on the ground opposite the Synagogue and leave. Let them see our messages and know that we will not be silent in the face of genocide.”
