Fears NSW businesses will be targeted after anti-Semitic Melbourne rampage

The peak state body representing Jewish people in NSW has raised concerns the horror anti-Semitic rampage which occurred in Melbourne on Friday could also happen in Sydney.

The peak state body representing Jewish people in NSW has raised concerns the horror anti-Semitic rampage which occurred in Melbourne on Friday could also happen in Sydney.

NSW Jewish Board of Deputies President David Ossip said he was concerned of similar attacks occurring in Sydney, after pro-Palestine supporters entered a popular Melbourne Jewish restaurant, threw chairs and food, and shouted ‘death to the IDF’ – referring to the Israel Defence Forces.

Concerns Jewish businesses in Sydney could be targeted have been fuelled by comments on social media among pro-Palestine protesters, with comments including singling out specific businesses “openly supporting Israeli actions”.

Pictured is the synagogue targeted in a suspected hate crime on Friday night in Melbourne. Picture: NewsWire / Valeriu Campan

Mr Ossip said the targeting of Jewish businesses was an alarming escalation in ongoing protests over the conflict in Gaza.

“On Friday night, we saw scenes of terror unfold at a Melbourne restaurant. We cannot allow the same to happen in Sydney,” Mr Ossip said.

NSW President of the Jewish Board of Deputies David Ossip at a press conference. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard

“The anti-Israel movement claims to stand for peace – yet we are witnessing the violent targeting of Jewish institutions and businesses and chants calling for murder on our streets.”

Mr Ossip added picking out individual businesses went beyond normal protest action.

“These are not acts of political expression – they are acts of hate and they are putting Australians in danger,” he said.

“Violence and intimidation must not be tolerated under the guise of protest.”

It comes after protesters gathered at Chris Minns’ Kogarah electorate office on Friday while chanting “Zionists are terrorists” and “death to the IDF”.

Nathalie Samie, vice president of the National Council of Jewish Women of Australia NSW, also told a NSW Parliamentary inquiry into anti-Semitism on Friday that local Jewish families were being impacted by anti-Israel protesters.

She highlighted specific instances including where a Jewish family was playing basketball, when an opponent’s dad “screamed ‘free Palestine’” at them.

“We can just talk to the impact on our families and that is what I think you need to have in mind when you have this discussion,” she said.

Originally published as Fears NSW businesses will be targeted after anti-Semitic Melbourne rampage