Hate crime to be met with 'full response' from NSW Police

NSW Premier Chris Minns has condemned the “hate crime” in Sydney’s eastern suburb of Woollahra, calling it a “disgusting display of antisemitism”.

Police are investigating after a car was set alight and “F**k Israeil” (sic) was graffitied in Magney Street, Woollahra early on Wednesday morning.

The latest incident, which occurred just around the corner from The AJN’s Sydney office, follows a car damaging and graffiti spree in Woollahra last month and the arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne last Friday morning.

Minns, along with Police commissioner Karen Webb, announced during a news conference that Operation Shelter will have, operationally, the same level of resources that were in place post-October 7 as the state looks to tackle the spate of antisemitic incidents.

“This is a full response across NSW to ensure the public feels safe at a time of heightened community tension,” said Minns.

“A hate crime on the streets of Sydney, a violent act of destruction, clearly antisemitic, designed to strike fear into the community that lives in this part of Sydney.

“This violent act will be met with the full response from NSW Police.”

Minns said he had spoken to Israel’s ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon about the incident.

“In that conversation made it very clear to him that we regarded this as a disgusting display of antisemitism and that the vast majority of people that live in NSW are horrified by it and recognise Israel an ally and friend of Australia,” said Minns.

“I want to make the clear and unambiguous.”

Police Minister Yasmin Catley said two buildings, two vehicles and a footpath were damaged and defaced with graffiti. Two disguised individuals, described as being in their late teens or early 20s, were seen running from the scene.

“We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, acts of hatred and violence directed at our Jewish community. There is no place for hatred or antisemitism in our society,” she said.

“Every person has the right to feel safe in their own city, their homes, and their places of worship.

“We are committed to throwing everything we can behind this investigation and response and will provide further details on our actions in due course.”

In a joint statement, Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper, Multicultural NSW Advisory Board Chair Nick Kaldas and Multicultural NSW CEO Joseph La Posta called the incident “nothing short of abhorrent”.

“We unequivocally condemn violence and antisemitism in all its forms,” they said.

Woollahra Council said it “calls on the Premier of NSW and the Prime Minister to work together to put an immediate stop to this kind of hateful behaviour that threatens the safety of our local community.”

Member for Vaucluse Kellie Sloane said she was “incredibly shocked and distressed that this could happen yet again in our community”.

NSW Jewish Board of Deputies president David Ossip expressed his outrage at “another attack on the Jewish community and on the fabric of our society”.

“The sustained campaign of terror, intimidation and harassment directed at the Jewish community is a national crisis and we need swift action in response,” said Ossip.

President of the Woollahra-based Emanuel Synagogue Grant McCorquodale, which is located in Woollahra said, “Once is a criminal incident, twice is a crisis”.

“All Australian citizens live in this beautiful suburb of Woollahra and for people to come and desecrate it is an attack on every resident of Woollahra, not just on the Jewish people,” he said.

Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-CEO Alex Ryvchin wrote on X, “The Jewish community again wakes to scenes of terror and devastation. More burning cars and broken glass. Another act intended to terrorise us, drive us from our country and make our fellow Australians fearful of associating with us.

“How long will this continue and with what horrors will it end? We ask that you stand with us. March with us. Don’t let this evil tear our country to pieces.

“We expect the new AFP taskforce to bring the perpetrators swiftly to justice.”

Zionist Federation of Australia CEO Alon Cassuto said, “Another day, another vile act of antisemitism in Australia. Graffiti in Woollahra declaring ‘Kill Israel’ is a thinly veiled call to ‘Kill Jews’ everywhere.

“Jew-hatred is escalating into domestic terrorism, fuelled by the demonisation of Israel and a persistent failure to call out incitement. The government’s drastic shifts on longstanding policy on Israel carry domestic consequences.

“Chants of ‘Globalise the Intifada’ on our streets and campuses are translating into real-world hate. Antisemitism, disguised as anti-Zionism, threatens Jews, social cohesion, democracy, and the rule of law.”

NSW Police said an investigation was underway.

“About 1am (Wednesday 11 December 2024), emergency services responded to reports of a vehicle on fire in Magney Street, Woollahra,” NSW Police said.

Fire & Rescue NSW extinguished the fire.

“This vehicle, along with another, two buildings and the footpath along Magney Street were graffitied.”

NSW Police said officers attached to Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command have established a crime scene and an investigation has commenced into the incident.

“As inquiries continue, police wish to speak with two people believed to have been in the vicinity at the time. They are described as of slim build, between 15-20 years of age, wearing face coverings, and dark clothing,” NSW Police said.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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