Hornsby Shire plastered with Nazi symbols in spray paint attack

Vandals armed with red spray paint have plastered Nazi symbols across a north Sydney suburb in an “abhorrent” act horrifying locals.

Vandals armed with red spray paint have plastered Nazi symbols across a north Sydney suburb in an “abhorrent” act which has horrified locals.

Large red swastikas were painted on landmarks across Hornsby Shire, including the sign at Brickpit Park in Thornleigh.

Another swastika was painted on the Normanhurst border sign after Thornleigh on the Cumberland Highway.

Swastikas have been spray painted on landmarks across the Hornsby Shire. Picture: Supplied.

Swastikas have been spray painted on landmarks across the Hornsby Shire. Picture: Supplied.

Berowra federal Liberal MP Julian Leeser, who is Jewish and was the target of anti-Semitic hate crimes during the 2019 election, condemned the “offensive” vandalism on the Hornsby Shire.

“The display of Nazi symbols is offensive not only to Jewish Australians but to all Australians,” Mr Leeser said. “A generation of Australians devoted themselves to ridding the world of the evils of Nazism. I am conscious of how upsetting it is to veterans and their families.”

He said the vandalism was a symptom of the larger issue of rising anti-Semitism in Australia and around the world.

“Sadly, the sickness of anti-Semitism is part of our times,” he said. “In so many places, anti-Semitism is off the charts, particularly since the October 7 terrorist attacks on Israel.”

Julian Leeser faced anti-Semitic attacks during the 2019 federal election campaign. Picture: David Swift.

Mr Leeser faced multiple anti-Semitic attacks during the 2019 federal election when his campaign posters were defaced with swastikas and Hitler moustaches drawn on his portrait across the Berowra electorate.

But, Mr Leeser said, he took “comfort” knowing that the Hornsby community “abhors this type of action”.

“We live in a good community which embody our Australian values.”

Mr Leeser applauded the Hornsby Shire Council for removing the swastikas “within hours”.

The Hornsby Advocate has approached council for comment on the vandalism.

The public display of Nazi symbols was banned in NSW in 2022.

Anyone found guilty of the offence of displaying a Nazi symbol without an excuse faces a maximum penalty of 12 months imprisonment and/or an $11,000 fine.