A wave of antisemitic vandalism has hit two Australian cities, with graffiti targeting Jews found on vehicles and residential properties in suburban neighborhoods of Sydney, the country's largest city, and Perth, the largest city in Western Australia.
Phrases such as Fuck Jews and Jews out were spray-painted on cars and homes, while swastikas were drawn in Jewish-populated neighborhoods in Perth. The graffiti in both cases appeared strikingly similar, and the Australian Federal Police suspect the incidents are part of a coordinated effort, possibly orchestrated by foreign actors.
Dalkeith, Perth this morning
There have been attacks in 3 states today.
It's clear that the Federal Government has lost control. pic.twitter.com/1bq1oWjaR4
— Australian Jewish Association (@AustralianJA) February 2, 2025
David Ossip, president of the Jewish Board of Deputies in New South Wales, called on authorities to take action against the perpetrators. "In just the past three weeks alone, there have been more than 10 serious reported cases of antisemitic vandalism, arson, and worse. This does not even include the daily graffiti defacing our streets or the unreported harassment and abuse," he said.
"Society as a whole must condemn this campaign of local terrorism. This is not normal. This is not the Australia we know and love," he added.
Ossip further stressed the need for a strong response: "To restore our path forward, every Australian must denounce this behavior. The terrorists behind these crimes must be caught, and penalties must be toughened to deter future offenders."
