Melbourne Hebrew Congregation synagogue vandalised with pro-Palestine graffiti second time in 24 hours
The heritage-listed Melbourne Hebrew Congregation synagogue in South Yarra has been targeted by vandals for the second time in less than 24 hours, with fresh “Free Palestine” graffiti sprayed on its walls.
Victoria
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A Melbourne heritage-listed synagogue has been targeted by vandals for the second time in less than 24 hours.
“Free Palestine” was scrawled in blue spray paint on the side of Melbourne Hebrew Congregation synagogue in South Yarra on Sunday night.
It follows the Toorak Rd synagogue being plastered with red graffiti on Sunday afternoon that read: “Free Palestine” and “Iran is da bomb”.
Rabbi Shlomo Nathanson said his team spotted the additional graffiti Monday morning, adding that he hoped it was the last of it.
He said he had special events coming up this weekend and did not want to have to explain to children why the synagogue had been graffitied.
“We’re just frustrated and exhausted by all of this and we hope that is shared by members outside Jewish community,” he said.
The shule has been beefing up security, including installing CCTV and shatter proof windows, since the recent spike in anti-Semitism.
Premier Jacinta Allan on Monday slammed the vandalism as “disgraceful” and “senseless” as she called for calm on Victorian streets.
“It is just so vitally important that we do not allow conflict and violence overseas to divide us here in Melbourne and Victoria,” she said.
On Sunday, Rabbi Nathanson branded a graffiti attack “un-Australian” after the synagogue was plastered with red graffiti that read: “Free Palestine” and “Iran is da bomb”.
“We feel this to be an attack on the Melbourne Hebrew Congregation and it is unacceptable”, he said.
“Whilst this is an offence to the Jewish community, it is our hope that people say ‘not on my watch, not in my Australia’ ”.
Rabbi Nathanson said that his congregation have been the recipients of “vile forms of anti-Semitism” as of late.
“Since October 7th, we’ve been on the receiving end of death threats and bomb threats”, he said.
He spoke about the feeling of having to “look over your shoulder” and that the harassment is becoming their new normal.
He said that he hopes that the police can find the perpetrators and bring them to justice because “if these crimes go uncheck they will carry on”.
The graffiti was on Sunday in the process of being removed.
Victoria Police said it was investigating both incidents of criminal damage.
“It is believed a wall of the Toorak Road premises was graffitied by an unknown person sometime on Sunday afternoon,” a spokeswoman said.
“That was removed but unknown offenders again graffitied the building sometime on Sunday evening.
“There is absolutely no place at all in our society for anti-Semitic or hate-based symbols and behaviour.”
Victoria Police said it was investigating the criminal damage at the South Yarra synagogue.
A police spokesperson said: “It is believed a wall of the Toorak Road premises was graffitied by an unknown person on Sunday.
“There is absolutely no place at all in our society for anti-Semitic or hate-based symbols and behaviour.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Originally published as Melbourne Hebrew Congregation synagogue vandalised with pro-Palestine graffiti second time in 24 hours
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