Last night’s graffiti attack in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, Woollahra, has been roundly condemned as the latest hate crime intended to strike fear into Jewish communities.
The incident was described as an “abhorrent anti-Semitic hate crime” by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and it follows similar incidents across the country.
The phrase “Kill Israiel” (sic) was scrawled across buildings and footpaths in Woollahra, a suburb with a significant Jewish population, during the early hours of Wednesday.
In a joint statement, Greek-Australian NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper (Kamberogiannis), Nick Kaldas APM, Chair of the Multicultural NSW Advisory Board, and Joseph La Posta, CEO of Multicultural NSW, also condemned the attack.
“The events which took place in Woollahra overnight are nothing short of abhorrent. We unequivocally condemn violence and antisemitism in all its forms,” Kamper said.
The statement added that they will “continue to take the necessary steps to ensure our communities are protected.”
“Our multicultural and multifaith society is one of our greatest achievements, but it can’t be taken for granted. It requires constant work to ensure harmony is maintained.”
“We must continue to reject the importation of overseas conflict and instead aim to empathise, to listen, and to respond to global issues as a unified community, as Australians.”
The attack comes on the heels of last week’s arson incident at the Adass Israel synagogue in Ripponlea, Melbourne’s south-east, where a suspicious fire caused extensive damage, leaving the Jewish community reeling in shock.
