Second man arrested over alleged anti-Semitic attack on Newtown synagogue

The 37-year-old was Tasered during his arrest at a hotel on the same day police across the country revealed plans to share information and intelligence about anti-Semitism.

Police across the country will come together to share information and intelligence about anti-Semitism amid a rising spate of incidents in Sydney, with the move revealed on the same day officers arrested a second suspect over the attempted firebombing of a Newtown synagogue.

This week’s firebombing of a childcare centre at Maroubra, following recent anti-Semitic attacks in the city’s east and inner-west, led the police commissioners from all states and territories, as well as the Australian Federal Police, to call an urgent meeting on Wednesday.

They have since announced a “dedicated anti-Semitism group”, consisting of a deputy commissioner from each jurisdiction, will continue to meet, in a bid to “to reduce crime and the fear of crime”.

“The group will meet monthly to share information and intelligence and, where appropriate, use existing national arrangements to assist with both active investigations and proactive operations that may transcend state borders,” a joint statement read.

On Wednesday. following the first arrest of Adam Moule, NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said investigators were closing in on a second man. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

“While each agency is well equipped to deal with matters in their jurisdiction, the sharing of intelligence and information is invaluable and Australian agencies have used this approach for many years with great success.”

The decision to work together comes just a day after NSW Police sources said they were caught off-guard by an announcement from Australian Federal Police commissioner Reece Kershaw that “foreign actors” could be involved in paying Australians to carry out anti-Semitic attacks.

A second man has been arrested after an alleged attempt to set a religious building on fire in Newtown earlier this month.

That claim led to calls from the federal opposition for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to present evidence to back up the intelligence.

While the national police group will wait another month for its first meeting, NSW Police have continued to make arrests over recent anti-Semitic attacks.

On Tuesday, a second man was charged over the attempted firebombing of a Jewish synagogue earlier in January.

The 37-year-old was Tasered by police during his arrest at a hotel on Pyrmont Bridge Rd in Pyrmont on Thursday over the alleged attack that saw an attempt to set the Newtown Synagogue on fire, before red Nazi swastikas were also spray painted on the fence.

The alleged anti-Semitic attack on the Newtown Synagogue on January 11. Picture: NewsWire / Simon Bullard.

In a statement, NSW Police said the man was assessed by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Day Street Police Station.

His arrest came little more than a day after his co-accused Adam Moule, 33, was charged by Strike Force Pearl detectives over the same attack with arson and damaging property.

Meanwhile, Adam Hawi, the son of slain senior bikie Mick Hawi, was charged last week regarding his alleged role before an incident in Woollahra in November.

The incident involved a ute being set alight, multiple cars being damaged and Matt Moran’s Chiswick restaurant being graffitied with anti-Israel messages.

Detectives will allege Hawi’s car was used in the attack before he refused to tell detectives who was driving it.

Police do not allege he was part of the actual incident

The 21-year-old is expected to attend Waverley Local Court in March after being charged with being the owner of a vehicle and not disclosing the identity of the driver or passenger.

Originally published as Second man arrested over alleged anti-Semitic attack on Newtown synagogue