Dr Dvir Abramovich slams anti-Semitic graffiti at Geelong waterfront
Anti-Semitic graffiti, which is illegal in the state of Victoria, has been discovered along Geelong’s waterfront.
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A Jewish leader has slammed anti-Semitic graffiti that appeared along the Geelong foreshore on Monday as a “malignant wound inflicted on the spirit of our country”.
A blue Swastika was discovered in a carpark along Western Beach on Monday morning by an angered member of the public.
The graffiti, illegal in the state of Victoria, was reported to Crime Stoppers shortly after.
The carpark sits in front of the Boat Shed restaurant, close to prominent tourist destinations such as Cunningham Pier and the carousel.
Nearby trees had also been up-ended.
Anti-Defamation Commission chairman Dvir Abramovich denounced the graffiti as a “scream of hatred”.
“The Nazi swastika scrawled in a Geelong carpark is not just an act of vandalism — it’s a malignant wound inflicted on the spirit of our country,” Dr Abramovich said.
“This sickening symbol, a visceral reminder of the darkest depths of human cruelty, has no place in Australia, let alone at a beloved community destination like the Western Beach foreshore.
“Its presence at a popular tourist destination taints a place of joy and community with the stench of division and intolerance.”
Dr Abramovich said the graffiti was “more than paint on pavement,” explaining its deep offence to the Jewish community.
“(It is) an attempt to resuscitate the murderous legacy of Hitler and to claw open scars that millions have worked tirelessly to heal,” he said.
“For Holocaust survivors and their descendants, seeing this emblem of genocide is like being dragged back into the horrors they narrowly escaped.
“It is a violent intrusion on our collective memory, tearing to shreds the values of unity and respect that we claim to hold dear.”
Dr Abramovich urged that “no stone must be left unturned in holding these perpetrators of hate accountable”.
“The swastika belongs to the ash heap of history, and we will ensure it stays there,” he said.
“I am sure Geelong police will hunt down those responsible and ensure they face the full weight of justice.”
Laws commenced in Victoria in October 2023 that make it illegal to display or perform symbols and gestures used by the Nazi Party in public.
According to the state government, anyone who commits an offence could face fines of $23,000, 12 months in prison, or both.
Victoria Police was contacted for comment.
In May 2023, a swastika which appeared on a warehouse in North Geelong was slammed by Jewish Community Council of Victoria president Daniel Aghion.
Neo-Nazi terrorist organisation flyers which read “white pride world wide” appeared along Pakington St in June of the same year.
A string of swastikas also appeared along the Geelong Ring Road in November of 2023.
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