Anti-Semitic attacks in Australia: Melbourne in fear after arson attack!

Anti-Semitic attacks in Australia: Melbourne in fear after arson attack!

In Australia, concerns are growing about the security situation in the Jewish community. Another anti-Semitic incident that is now dominating the media occurred outside the home of a member of the Israeli community in Melbourne. A car with a sign on the roof that reads “Happy Chanukah!” emblazoned, was set on fire. Fortunately, there were no injuries as the family was able to be brought to safety in time. The incident follows a devastating attack that took place on Bondi Beach during Hanukkah celebrations in which 16 people died, as well as several other escalating anti-Semitic attacks in Australia since October 2023. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the arson attack as "incomprehensible" and called on the nation to stand together against hatred and anti-Semitism. Security authorities have already identified a person who may be able to help with the investigation.

The Jewish community in Melbourne, which is considered one of the largest in Australia with around 120,000 members, is particularly alarmed. Over 2,000 anti-Semitic incidents have been reported across the country in the last twelve months. These include threats, intimidation, violent attacks and damage to property. The background to this increase is the attack on Israel by Palestinian terrorists in October 2023, which triggered the wave of anti-Semitic violence. According to a report by SRF, incidents such as graffiti, arson attacks and even fatal attacks are now commonplace. In this context, the government's role is being questioned - many members of the Jewish community accuse it of failing to combat anti-Semitic tendencies.

Chronology of attacks

The terrorist activities affecting the Jewish community also include incidents that occurred throughout 2024. Anti-Jewish slogans were sprayed at Australia's largest Jewish school in Melbourne, and threatening letters were sent to a Jewish bakery in Sydney. The Australian task force also reported that arson attacks were carried out on a brewery and a kosher deli. Prime Minister Albanese named the Iranian government as a possible backer. These acts escalated in violence due to a coordinated effort in Jewish neighborhoods, whereby cars were set on fire and buildings were damaged.

The criminal police have already identified several suspects and intensified their investigations. In January 2025, new laws against hate speech and protests outside places of worship were announced. Jewish and non-Jewish MPs have willingly spoken out against the growing violence, while security measures for MPs have been strengthened due to the intense threat to essential commercial centers. In July 2025 there was a serious arson attack during a Sabbath dinner in Melbourne, where 20 believers had to flee and an arrest followed.

A call for solidarity

The mood in the Jewish community is tense, but there is still a wave of solidarity, for example when neighbors come to the aid of Jewish restaurants or gather at public demonstrations against anti-Semitism. Australian Jewry Executive Board Co-Chair Alex Ryvchin said the Jewish community must speak out loud and clear against the ongoing attacks. Despite the incidents, many Jewish students reported hostilities at universities, which further escalated the situation.

The hope remains that measures will be taken to combat the violence with the appointment of a special representative for anti-Semitism and the establishment of the special unit “Operation Avalite”. Prime Minister Albanese has vowed to take tough action against anti-Semitism in Australia and stressed the need for all citizens to work together to create a safe environment for the Jewish community.

Last year's alarming incidents shed a worrying light on developments in Australia and call on everyone to stand up against racism and anti-Semitism and act in solidarity.

express, SRF, Jewish General