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The arson occurred against the backdrop of heightened anxiety following a deadly attack on a Chanukah celebration last week at Bondi Beach, where 15 people were killed.
By Shula Rosen
A vehicle belonging to a Melbourne rabbi was set ablaze in the early hours of Thursday in what authorities are treating as a suspected antisemitic attack, intensifying concerns within Australia’s Jewish community days after a deadly Chanukah-related attack in Sydney.
Police and fire crews were dispatched shortly after 3 a.m. to a residential street in East St. Kilda, where a car bearing a prominent “Happy Chanukah” sign and Jewish symbols was found burning.
The neighborhood is a major center of Jewish life in Melbourne, and the incident quickly reverberated across the community.
According to the Community Security Group Victoria, no injuries were reported. The group said the vehicle was clearly identifiable as Jewish due to a menorah and holiday signage mounted on top. Victoria Police have opened an investigation, and the damaged car was later removed from the scene.
The arson occurred against the backdrop of heightened anxiety following a deadly Chanukah celebration attack last week at Bondi Beach, where 15 people were killed. Community leaders said the proximity of the two incidents has amplified fear among residents.
CSG Victoria said it is increasing patrols in Jewish areas and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity through its emergency hotline. In a statement, the group confirmed coordination with state and federal law enforcement as the investigation continues.
The Australian Jewish Association condemned what it described as a worsening pattern of antisemitic incidents nationwide. “For more than two years, we have witnessed antisemitic acts, and recently the situation has escalated unchecked, due in part to inaction and, in some cases, incitement by our governments,” the organization said.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also denounced the attack, linking it to the broader climate facing Jewish Australians. “Australia’s Jewish community is in mourning after the Bondi terrorist attack. The firebombing of a car in Melbourne is another terrible act of suspected antisemitism,” he said. Albanese added that federal authorities were prepared to assist and stressed that hatred of this kind has no place in the country.
Local Jewish leaders said the incident, though it caused only property damage, has deepened a sense of vulnerability during what is normally a period of public celebration. Investigators have not announced any arrests.
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