MELBOURNE, Australia — In response to a recent surge in antisemitic incidents, officials in New South Wales announced an increase in police resources dedicated to investigating these crimes, particularly after a childcare facility was deliberately set on fire near a synagogue in Sydney. This incident, which occurred in the neighborhood of Maroubra early Tuesday morning, involved not only the arson but also vandalism with anti-Jewish graffiti adorning the building. Fortunately, although the structure sustained considerable damage, there were no injuries reported.
This arson attack is part of a troubling pattern of assaults in major Australian cities, notably Sydney and Melbourne, that have escalated since the outbreak of conflict between Israel and Hamas on October 7, 2023. These two cities are home to approximately 85% of the Jewish population in Australia, making the rise in targeted aggression particularly alarming for local communities. In recent months, numerous fires and vandalism incidents have targeted various properties and vehicles, including a separate fire at a Melbourne synagogue last December, which resulted in burn injuries to an individual.
In light of these disturbing trends, Acting New South Wales Police Commissioner Peter Thurtell reported that Strike Force Pearl, which was established several months back to tackle antisemitic offenses in Sydney, is now receiving additional resources. Thurtell emphasized the necessity of escalating law enforcement efforts to ensure that the individuals responsible for such acts are swiftly identified and brought to justice.
“The criminals behind these acts aim to damage our society, and as the New South Wales Police Force, we pledge to take all necessary actions to apprehend these individuals,” he declared to the media.
The Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns, echoed these sentiments during a press briefing, acknowledging the alarming uptick in antisemitic acts within the state. “The rise in antisemitic incidents is of significant concern to us, and it is currently the foremost issue facing New South Wales,” he stated. While he could not guarantee an end to these violent occurrences, he reassured the public that law enforcement was actively pursuing justice for the victims. Currently, nine individuals have been arrested and are facing charges related to several recent antisemitic events in Sydney, with all suspects remaining in custody.
One notable suspect, Tammie Farrugia, 34, was apprehended at her residence in Sydney on Monday and was presented in court the following day on various charges tied to an attack that took place on December 11 in Woollahra, a prominent area within the Jewish community. Authorities reported that messages, some of which were misspelled, such as “Kill Israiel” and “Death 2 Israiel,” were spray-painted on homes and cars, with one vehicle being set ablaze.
The charges against Farrugia included being part of a criminal group alongside at least two other accomplices who remain at large. She did not enter a plea regarding the charges and did not seek bail. Her next court hearing is scheduled for February 5.
In response to the escalating tensions provoked by the conflict, New South Wales Police initiated Operation Shelter to enhance community safety amid pro-Palestinian protests in Sydney. Since the operation’s launch, over 180 individuals have been arrested, with 40 of those facing specific charges related to antisemitic actions, as reported by Thurtell.
According to the latest census data from 2021, there are nearly 117,000 Jewish residents in Australia, accounting for solely 0.46% of the total population of 25.4 million. The federal government has indicated that, per capita, only Israel houses more Holocaust survivors than Australia.
