Police to boost security at Jewish locations in Melbourne amid attacks on Israel

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan says police will boost security at Jewish locations in Melbourne after the Jewish community requested support in the wake of alleged antisemitic threats.

Police have bolstered security around key Jewish locations in Melbourne.

Premier Jacinta Allan, who met with Victoria Police chief commissioner Shane Patton this week, said there would be an increased police presence around Jewish schools, synagogues and cultural institutions.

“There have been requests from Jewish community to have increased support,” she said.

“This is a very, very difficult time for the Jewish community.

“We do need to ensure that we are providing a safe and harmonious community here in Victoria.

“Our role as the Victorian government is to provide that support.”

Ms Allan on Thursday again condemned the actions of Hamas.

“These attacks are appalling, they are atrocious. It’s almost unthinkable,” she said.

Police on alert after alleged horror antisemitic threats

Police are investigating an alleged antisemitic threat made on Toorak Rd involving a group of men claiming they were “on the hunt to kill Jews”.

Audio of a man who heard the threats relaying the scene was played on 3AW on Wednesday, where he said a group approached him on Tuesday afternoon and asked if he knew “where any Jews (were)”.

A police spokesman said detectives were investigating the incident and that police were “committed to responding” to antisemitic behaviour.

This comes after CSG Victoria (Community Security Group) raised the national threat level to severe and promised to boost its presence at Jewish schools.

On Wednesday CSG released a second statement “calling for calm” after a “heightened level of fear and anxiety”.

“We know that with every escalation in Israel, there is an inevitable and parallel increase in antisemitism,” the group posted.

“This has been anticipated. We are prepared and are dealing with every incident.

“You will see increased CSG and Victoria Police presence in the community.

Do not be alarmed, this is routine and to ensure our safety and security.

The group also asked its followers to “not disseminate details of incidents on social forums” to ensure it does not spread fear and to limit social media activity.

Jewish schools across Victoria have beefed up their security presence following the attacks on Israeli civilians by Hamas.

Police are investigating an alleged antisemitic threat made on Toorak Rd involving a group of men claiming they were ‘on the hunt to kill Jews’. Picture: Getty Images

Several guards, who work within Jewish schools, have told the Herald Sun they had undergone “high level” security briefings in recent days.

“Our school has ramped up security and we have increased our intelligence operations,” one guard said.

“Our priority is to make sure students are safe and feel safe.”

Another security worker said most schools had increased the presence of guards as a “precautionary measure”.

“We have undergone high level security briefings and increased patrols,” another security worker said.

On Tuesday CSG released a statement that said: “The community is on heightened alert in light of the war in Israel.”

“CSG is increasing its physical presence and has staff and volunteers working around the clock, behind the scenes to secure the community.

“CSG has been in contact with Victoria Police since the escalations in Israel and will continue to maintain close contact with police to ensure the safety of our community.”

The organisation said it was “closely monitoring” the international and local environment and was ready to respond to any situations that may arise.

“We urge the community to be extra vigilant and to report any antisemitism or suspicious activity including individuals and vehicles to CSG’s 24-Hour Control Centre on 1300 000 274.”

Jewish Community Council of Victoria chief executive Judy Fetter said the community was extremely “distressed” and “concerned” about the attacks on Israeli civilians by Hamas terrorists.

“Our students share this horror,” Ms Fetter told the Herald Sun.

“Parents and school communities are working together to ensure young people are protected from the worst footage and news stories. Our community’s welfare organisation, Jewish Care, is providing advice to parents on how to help their children feel safe.

“Our Jewish schools are all doing everything they can to support their students and staff, many of whom have Israeli family members and friends impacted by this terrible situation.”

Prominent Melbourne Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann said: “There are only 15 million Jews in the world.”

“When terrorism occurs in Israel, Jewish communities in Australia feel the tension and are the recipients of increased antisemitism, hostility and hate crimes.”

“Our community feels protected by Victoria Police but we remain vigilant. Conflict in the Holy Land brings forth much passion and strong reaction, so we ask our multifaith brethren and educators to ensure any rhetoric on the conflict remains peaceful and respectful,” Rabbi Gabi said.