Chadstone, Ashburton targeted in Melbourne ‘swastika epidemic’
Anti-Semitic graffiti has been sprayed on sites in Melbourne’s southeast in the latest attack in the city’s “swastika epidemic”. The vile abuse comes just weeks after the Chadstone cafe owned by a descendant of a Holocaust survivor was defaced.
Law & Order
Don't miss out on the headlines from Law & Order. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Two more sites in Melbourne’s southeast have been targeted with anti-Semitic graffiti.
“Hitler Youth” and “Hitler was right!” were scrawled on two walls in Ashburton sometime before Monday morning.
One of the messages was accompanied by a swastika.
The attacks are part of what has been labelled a “swastika epidemic” in Victoria.
The recent attacks come just two weeks after a nearby Chadstone cafe owned by a woman descended from Holocaust survivors was targeted with anti-Semitic graffiti.
Brighton East woman Aliza Shuvaly’s cafe was targeted by vandals who hit her store with Holocaust-denying words and swastikas painted on her fence.
The store was first hit with scrawl reading: “The Holocaust is a lie”.
The second read: “The Holocaust didn’t happen but it should have.”
Both were accompanied by swastikas.
Reports were made to police about the most recent graffiti incidents at Gardiners Creek bridge on the corner of Warrigal Rd and Power Ave on Monday.
“Every Victorian has the right to feel safe and secure in the community and in practising their faith, pursuing their values, beliefs and interests,” a Victoria Police spokeswoman said.
“Victoria Police does not tolerate violence and takes all crime seriously, including that which is motivated by prejudice, racism or discrimination.”
Monash Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the incidents.
The Chairman of the Anti-Defamation Commission called on the State Government to bring together political and religious leaders to create a united front against the “toxic hatred”.
“The swastika epidemic that has invaded the streets of Melbourne over the last year is reaching fever pitch,” Dr Dvir Abramovich said.
“We need to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to this growing cancerous hate speech and incitement.
“This is an issue on which we should all stand shoulder to shoulder.”
Boroondara council workers were dispatched to cover over the graffiti early Monday morning.
“The council is appalled and finds the messaging deeply disturbing,” a spokesman said.
MORE NEWS:
ROLLER DERBY PARTY ENDS IN HOT TUB ASSAULT
LUCKY ROO OWES LIFE TO DETERMINED DOG
“Council has a zero-tolerance policy towards all acts of graffiti vandalism.”
The latest lot of graffiti sprung up just three minutes drive from Ms Shuvaly’s Chadstone cafe, which was targeted two weeks ago.
“I’m scared even to say that it happened to me … Am I a target now?” Mrs Shuvaly said.
Police are investigating the incidents and urge anyone who witnessed them or knows anything to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.