‘Appalling’: Authorities warn of anti-Semitic escalation after synagogue arson attempt

The NSW Police counter terrorism unit is leading a probe into vandalism across two Sydney synagogues, which has been deemed a “serious escalation” of anti-Semitic crime.

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Authorities have labelled the spate of vandalism across two Sydney synagogues over the weekend as a “serious escalation” of anti-Semitic crime, after fire accelerant was used during an attack on Saturday.

Premier Chris Minns urged members of the community with information of the incidents to come forward after police received no response to CCTV footage identifying two people they would like to speak with after a dozen swastikas were painted on a synagogue in Allawah on Thursday.

“No one has come forward with information as to who that person is,” he said.

“That image is very clear, it did identify that individual and there is someone out there in the community today who knows who this person is and they have an obligation to report it to Crimestoppers or the NSW Police.

“This escalation is very concerning …. There is never any justification for this kind of racist, anti-Semitic targeted attacks on members of our community.”

Police have released CCTV images of people who can assist with inquiries after offensive graffiti was sprayed on a synagogue in Sydney’s inner west.

CCTV still released by police. Police are continuing their investigations after offensive graffiti was located on a synagogue in Sydney’s south west on January 10. Picture: NSW Police

Police have released CCTV images after offensive graffiti was sprayed on a synagogue in Sydney’s Inner West ton January 11.

The NSW Police counter-terrorism unit is now leading the investigation under Strikeforce Pearl, alongside state crime command and local detectives.

Police Commissioner Karen Webb said police were currently investigating possible links between an attack on Newtown Synagogue on Friday night in which swastikas were painted on the building and a similar incident at Allawah the day before. Police are concerned the use of fire accelerant at the Newtown Synagogue marked a violent escalation of the spate of vandalism.

Police are investigating an Anti Semitic attack on the Newtown Synagogue. Picture: Simon Bullard.

Southern Sydney Synagogue President George Foster stands in front of the vandalised synagogue. Photo: Tom Parrish

“The information that we have in relation to the attack on the Newtown synagogue is that it is two people on push bikes. The information in relation to Allawah is that it is a male and a female,” Commissioner Webb said.

“We haven’t ruled out that they are connected.”

She said the fire burnt itself out after three minutes and did not badly damage the building.

NSW Premier Chris Minns and Police Commissioner Karen Webb at St George Police Station provide an update on police investigations into antisemitic vandalism across Sydney. Picture: NewsWire / Simon Bullard.

Ms Webb said police were also investigating possible links between Friday’s attack on the Newtown Synagogue and a series of arson attacks on Jewish-affiliated businesses.

“We’re looking at some matters from late last year … in relation to some other arson attacks and we don’t know whether they’re linked,” she said.

“Certainly in arson attacks, generally there is an accelerant.”

NSW Police are also investigating the anti-Semitic vandalism of a home on Henry St in Queens Park, which also was painted with swastikas. Police are investigating whether this is related to the other attacks.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Saturday the culprits should “face the full force of the law”.

“The vile graffiti we’ve seen overnight, including at the Newtown synagogue, is abhorrent and needs to stop immediately. Australia is a better place than this,” he said.