Search Underway for Vandals Behind Swastika Graffiti at Sydney Synagogue
Authorities are investigating swastika vandalism at Sydney synagogues, seeking two suspects captured on camera during the attacks
Sydney, Australia, Swastika, Vandalism, Anti-Semitism, Newtown Synagogue
Sydney: The search is on for those responsible for the swastika graffiti at local synagogues. Police are looking for two individuals caught on camera wearing black hoods.
Early Saturday morning, red swastikas were spray-painted on the Newtown Synagogue’s front wall. It happened around 4:30 AM, and the vandals even tried to set the place on fire.
Just hours before that, similar graffiti appeared on a home in Queens Park, along with vandalism to cars and a trailer. It’s been a rough time for the community.
Earlier in the week, the Southern Sydney Synagogue in Allawah also faced vandalism, and there were offensive comments found on a poster in Marrickville.
Police have released images of two suspects they want to talk to. One was seen on a white and black mountain bike, dressed in a black hooded jumper with white writing, black pants, and a white glove on one hand.
The other suspect was on a black motorized scooter, wearing a black spray jacket with a white emblem and possibly blue and orange gloves. They’re hoping someone can help identify them.
NSW Premier Chris Minns has condemned these anti-Semitic acts. He and Police Commissioner Karen Webb are set to provide updates on the investigation soon.
These incidents are part of a troubling trend of anti-Semitic attacks in Australia, including a recent firebombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne, which drew strong condemnation from leaders like Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Australia is home to about 100,000 Jewish people, with significant communities in Melbourne and Sydney’s eastern suburbs. It’s crucial to stand against such hate.