Disturbing slur to Jewish man on Melbourne street

A Jewish man has been confronted by another man on the street who allegedly did a Nazi salute, followed by vile abuse.

A Jewish man was walking down a street in Melbourne when he was allegedly confronted by a man who did a Hitler salute and then said, “We should have killed all the Jews, we will kill the f***ing Jews”.

The Anti-Defamation Commission said the “horrifying attack” happened last Wednesday on Burke Road in Camberwell, and the Jewish man in his 70s had been visiting from South Australia to celebrate the Jewish New Year.

The Melbourne-based non-profit organisation said Norman Schueler had been traumatised by the incident and struggles to sleep.

A video seen by news.com.au showed the man being spoken to by police, which ADC said took place after the alleged attack.

A Victoria Police spokesperson confirmed to news.com.au that officers dealt with a man “causing trouble and being racist” on Wednesday afternoon, September 28.

“Officers spoke to the complainant by phone while heading to the job. At that stage the full extent of the comments regarding racial vilification was not disclosed to members,” the spokesperson explained.

“The offender was identified, his details were obtained and he was moved on. Given the further allegations supplied to police on Friday, officers contacted the original complainant to obtain further information.

“All Victorians have a right to feel safe and secure in their community.”

The spokesperson said police were still investigating, but assured the force does not tolerate discrimination or victimisation.

“Anyone who witnesses or is subject to victimisation on the basis of ethnicity or religious beliefs is urged to report the matter to police,” they said.

The man accused of a disturbing slur. Picture: Supplied

Norman Schueler said he was left traumatised by the event. Picture: Supplied

ADC chairman Dr Dvir Abramovich said antisemitic sentiment was taking a firm hold in Australia and “hardcore bigots” were feeling too comfortable expressing their neo-Nazi views.

“This ugly episode, part of a broader pattern, could have ended in physical violence and not just verbal assault,” Dr Abramovich said.

“It may be an uncomfortable truth for some, but the reality is that the rising wave of hatred against Jews here is becoming commonplace.”

Dr Abramovich said recently the number of incidents reported to the ADC was on a scale bigger than he had witnessed before.

“A disturbing outburst such as this one, traumatises the victim and shake us all to the core, and these threatening flames are making members of the Jewish community feel less comfortable and more vulnerable,” he said.

“Perhaps it is time for the state government to look into hate-crime legislation to deal with such episodes.”

Just last weekend in Sydney, broadcast coverage captured Sydney United 58 fans in the stands for the Australia Cup final appearing to be doing Nazi salutes.

The criticism towards the fans came from all angles, with Australian TV presenter Lucy Zelić calling for lifetime bans and a mandatory educational course for those involved.

The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies called for “strong action”, including lifetime bans.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet also said the offending fans should be banned for life, describing the scenes as “absolutely horrendous”.

Football Australia said the actions of “a very small minority” wasn’t in line with the “values and wider community expectations”.

On Wednesday, FA confirmed one spectator was banned from attending Football Australia-sanctioned matches, including all NPL, A-Leagues, Australia Cup, and national team matches, for life.