Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has denounced the “evil presence” behind a suspected anti-Semitic firebombing, as a Jewish leader calls for decisive action to stamp out hatred after the Bondi massacre.
Detectives in Melbourne are investigating a suspicious fire outside a local rabbi’s home in St Kilda East around 2.50am on Christmas Day.
Police said no one was in the car, which had a Hanukkah-related sign on the roof, but residents of the home were evacuated as a precaution.
Detectives have identified an individual who may be able to assist with their investigation.
Albanese said in a statement that “federal authorities stand ready to assist.”
“Firebombing a car in Melbourne is another appalling act of suspected anti-Semitism,” he said.
“There is no place for this kind of hate in Australia and it must stop.”
The Community Security Group (CSG), a Jewish protection group in Victoria, noted the presence on the car of the Hanukkah symbol, a nine-branched candelabra associated with Hanukkah celebrations.
It confirmed no community members were injured in the incident and remained in close contact with police.
“CSG is already operating at a higher level with increased patrols and will continue to do so,” the group said in an Instagram post.
The latest incident showed what life was like for Australian Jews when hatred was allowed to spread, Anti-Defamation Commission chairman Dvir Abramovich said.
“If it’s not the mass murder of 15 people, it’s the bombing of a car,” he said.
‘It’s a miracle no one was killed. We should not confuse happiness with security.
“This is the same disease and evil that is moving around and sending a message to the Jewish community: don’t be visible, don’t celebrate, don’t exist openly.”
Abramovich pushed for a royal commission to combat anti-Semitism, echoing calls from other Jewish leaders and the opposition after the Bondi massacre, in which 15 people were killed by gunmen targeting Hanukkah celebrations.
Albanese said the apparent firebombing was “incomprehensible,” adding that all governments were working to eradicate anti-Semitism.
“What kind of evil ideology and thoughts would motivate someone at a time like this? We know there is an evil presence,” he told reporters at a Christmas lunch.
Albanese spent Christmas morning serving festive food at the Rev Bill Crews Foundation in his electorate in Sydney’s inner west. Source: MONKEY / Sitthixay Ditthavong
“Christmas is a time of hope. Hope over fear is what we need. Courage over cowardice, kindness over violence and solidarity over anti-Semitism and hatred.”
State and federal governments are under pressure to respond strongly to anti-Semitism following the Bondi Beach shooting, Australia’s deadliest terror attack.
The Federal Labor Party has sent a signal Hate speech reforms and a review of ministerial powers to revoke or reject visas for anyone who sows division or may incite violence.
But the Albanian government has resisted pressure to convene a royal commission after the Bondi massacre. Instead, she has supported a NSW inquiry and prioritized a faster but more limited review of intelligence and law enforcement agencies.
The Victorian government has also promised a crackdown on hate crime and plans to give police the power to veto protests after designated terror attacks, a move that will set in motion similar legislation rapidly being introduced in NSW.
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