Neo-Nazis target Melbourne’s Jewish community ahead of Yom Kippur

Neo-Nazis have taken to an underpass in Melbourne’s west to scrawl disturbing anti-Semitic slurs ahead of the holiest day on the Jewish calendar.

Vile neo-Nazis have taken to an underpass in Melbourne’s west to scrawl disturbing anti-Semitic slurs ahead of the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur.

The graffiti, understood to be the work of global extremist group GTV, appeared below the Millers Rd underpass in Altona on Sunday morning.

At least five markings in black spray paint could be seen sprawled across multiple concrete pillars, with one declaring “Covid is Jew”.

Another depicted a noose alongside a reference to the Nuremberg trials which took place following World War II, in which the main perpetrators of Nazi crimes were prosecuted.

The Herald Sun understands many extremists currently use the term “Nuremberg 2.0” in reference to politicians, scientists, virologists and those who supported the Covid vaccine.

Vile anti-Semitic slurs on an underpass in Melbourne's west. Picture: supplied

Anti-Semitic graffiti has appeared ahead of Jewish holy day. Picture: supplied

A third marking directed members of the public to a website littered with anti-Semitic posters.

It follows rising tensions between neo-Nazi groups and anti-fascists of late, with the groups squaring off in volatile displays at a number of protests or “club events” across Melbourne.

Members of the National Socialist Network, including leader Thomas Sewell, on Saturday gathered at Parliament House in an attempt to gate crash a rally held by No campaigners.

Days earlier, the same group was filmed marching down High St in Thornbury where they clashed with members of an anti-fascist group who were holding a fundraiser at Café Gummo.

Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-CEO Alex Ryvchin told the Herald Sun he was “deeply disturbed” over the latest anti-Semitic attack.

Neo-Nazi sympathisers attempt to gatecrash the ‘No’ to the Voice rally. Picture: NewsWire

“Pandemics and economic downturns have always given rise to antisemitism as the weak of mind seek someone to blame for things they can’t understand,” he said.

“We need to restore rationalism to our public debate and education to limit the appeal of these thugs and charlatans.

“The noose is a symbol used by American neo-Nazis and has been a warning of violence to come. This overt threat needs to be taken seriously by law enforcement.”

Hobsons Bay City Council mayor Tony Briffa condemned the markings.

“Hobsons Bay City Council doesn’t tolerate any kind of hate speech graffiti, whether it’s about Jews, the LGBTIQA+ community, or anyone else. Our policy is to remove graffiti like this within 24 hours,” she said.

“We will contact the Westgate Tunnel Project team to have the graffiti removed.”