A week and a half after the terrorist attack during the Jewish festival of lights Hanukkah in Sydney, an arson attack with suspected anti-Semitic motivation was carried out in the Australian coastal metropolis of Melbourne.
December 25, 2025, 09:09December 25, 2025, 09:09
In the St. Kilda East district, a rabbi’s car that had a “Hanukkah” sign on the roof burst into flames overnight, Australian media reported, citing police. The car was parked in front of the man’s house, who was brought to safety with his family after the incident.
There was an anti-Semitic attack in Melbourne.Image: keystone
No one was injured – but in view of the terrible memories of the massacre with 15 dead on Bondi Beach, it was not only the Jewish community in Melbourne that reacted with horror. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spoke of an “incomprehensible” act and once again called for a common fight against hatred and anti-Semitism. “What are these evil ideologies and thoughts that drive someone at a time like this?” he said at an event in Sydney to mark Christmas, which is traditionally celebrated in Australia on December 25th.
Pictures from the crime scene in Melbourne show a sign with the words “Happy Chanukah!” (Happy Hanukkah) can be seen on the roof of the fire-damaged car that sits in the driveway in front of the rabbi’s house. However, the security authorities did not immediately want to determine a clear motive for the crime. “The criminal police have identified a person who could help with the investigation,” said a police statement quoted by the media. “The investigation into the incident is ongoing.” There was initially no talk of an arrest.
Drastic increase in anti-Semitic crimes
According to the Australian Special Representative for the Fight against Anti-Semitism, anti-Semitic incidents have increased dramatically since the attack on Israel by Palestinian terrorists in October 2023 and the subsequent start of the Gaza war. More than 2,000 cases were reported nationwide in the twelve months alone – including threats, attempts at intimidation, violent attacks and damage to property.
In December 2024, an anti-Semitic arson attack on a synagogue in Melbourne made headlines, for which Australian security authorities blamed Iran. The megacity in the southern state of Victoria is considered the center of Australia’s Jewish community, which includes around 120,000 people. Many of them accuse the government of serious failures in the fight against anti-Semitism. After the attack in Sydney, Albanese promised a rigorous crackdown on all forms of anti-Semitism in Australia. (sda/dpa)