By Riley Walter and Jessica McSweeney
Antisemitic graffiti in Sydney’s east supporting terrorist organisation Hamas has been condemned by the Jewish community as the anniversary of the October 7 attacks approaches.
Police have launched an investigation into the vandalism, reported in suburbs including Bondi, Bronte and Tamarama.
A spate of anti-Semitic graffiti appearing to support terrorist organisation Hamas has been condemned by the Jewish community.
Several buildings and bus stops have been vandalised with the word “Hamas” in red and green paint.
Under Australian law it is an offence to support a terrorist organisation. Hamas, which carried out the worst massacre of Jews since World War II, has been listed as a terrorist organisation by the federal government since March 4, 2022.
About 1200 people were killed in the October 7 attacks. More than 40,000 people have died in the ensuing conflict.
Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, has urged authorities to “investigate and put an end to this hatred”.
“This daubing of public property with the name of a proscribed terrorist organisation is intended to distress and intimidate our community and make us feel unsafe in this country. It is part of a pattern of behaviour that is escalating in areas with large Jewish communities as we approach the first anniversary of the October 7 horrors,” he said.
“Sydneysiders and our community should not have to face these acts of support for a group that just carried out the mass slaughter of our brethren and has pledged to attack Jews throughout the world. People need to think about the effect of their conduct and face consequences for their actions.”
Police are urging anyone with information about the graffiti to contact Waverley Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.