Antisemitic vandalism has struck Australia once again as swastikas were discovered spray-painted early Friday morning on the Allawah Synagogue in southern Sydney. Law enforcement has immediately launched an investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible for the hate crime.
New South Wales Premier Christopher Minns issued a forceful condemnation of the act, describing it as "horrifying and terrible." He characterized the perpetrators as individuals "who seek to divide our society." Prime Minister Anthony Albanese echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that "there is no place for such acts in multicultural Australia."
In a morning conversation with Minns, the synagogue president conveyed his deep distress while emphasizing that this hateful act stands in stark contrast to the values of the local community. Jewish community leaders have called for expedited arrests and enhanced enforcement measures against hate crimes.
The latest incident adds to a concerning pattern of antisemitic acts across Australia, including the December arson attack on the Ades Israel Synagogue in Melbourne and the vandalism of vehicles in eastern Sydney this week. Jewish community leaders continue to raise alarms about the increasing frequency of antisemitic incidents and advocate for more stringent legislation addressing incitement and hate crimes.
