Anti-Semitic vandals target Malvern East business founded by Holocaust survivors

A Malvern East business founded by Holocaust survivors has become the latest target of anti-Semitic graffiti attack.

Gottlieb’s, a building supplies store in Malvern East, is the latest target of an anti Semitic graffiti attack. Picture: Supplied

A well-known Jewish business, founded by Holocaust survivors, has been vandalised with the words “gas the Jews”.

Gottlieb’s, a building supplies store in Malvern East that closed last year, was the target of the anti Semitic graffiti attack over the weekend, with the disturbing message and swastikas drawn on the back fence.

It comes just weeks after swastikas were painted on the Beaconsfield Parade home of a well-known Jewish business and philanthropic family, and amid a troubling rise in anti Semitism.

Zionist Federation of Australia president Jeremy Leibler, who has known the Gottlieb family his whole life, questioned what Australia had become, noting it was once a safe haven for those fleeing the Nazi regime.

“The founders were Holocaust survivors who came here with nothing and built a business that supported their family and made a profound contribution to the Victorian building industry,” he said.

“They were grateful for the refuge this country gave them.

“And yet, in 2025, their grandchildren now stand in front of that same building defaced with the words ‘Gas the Jews’.”

The building supplies store shut down last year but the signage still remains.

Victoria Police has been contacted for comment.

Originally published as Anti-Semitic vandals target Malvern East business founded by Holocaust survivors