Australia Battles Surge in Antisemitic Attacks Amid Police Investigation

Australia Faces Rising Antisemitic Attacks as Police Investigate Possible Criminal Networks

Australia is experiencing an alarming surge in antisemitic attacks, with authorities investigating potential links to paid criminals behind some of the incidents. The rise in hate crimes has sparked widespread anxiety within the Jewish community, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne, as Jewish institutions face arson, vandalism, and targeted violence.

The Devastating Arson Attack on a Jewish Café

One of the most distressing incidents occurred in late October when arsonists set fire to the Continental Kitchen, a beloved kosher café in Sydney, owned by restaurateur Judith Lewis. The attack, which destroyed the café, also damaged a mezuzah – a sacred symbol of Jewish faith – that had hung at the family-owned establishment for decades. While the mezuzah was destroyed in the blaze, Lewis has bought new ones but remains hesitant to put them up in her new café location.

“I’ve got them sitting on my desk, and I’m a little bit hesitant to put them up… something’s holding me back at the moment,” Lewis shared.

Escalating Antisemitic Incidents Across Australia

The arson at Lewis’ café is part of a larger pattern of antisemitic attacks targeting Jewish Australians, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne. The attacks have included swastikas painted on buildings and cars, as well as arson at synagogues. Authorities have received over 166 reports of such incidents since mid-December, prompting the creation of Special Operation Avalite to address the rising hate crimes.

A total of 15 serious allegations are currently under investigation. Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw has confirmed that authorities are exploring the possibility that these attacks may be connected to paid criminals, with a focus on potential overseas actors who may have financed the attacks.

Criminals or Overseas Actors Behind the Attacks?

Police investigations have uncovered text messages suggesting that some suspects were paid to carry out these acts. In one case, text exchanges between two men who pleaded guilty to a recent arson attack revealed a third person involved, using the encrypted app Signal under the alias “Jamesbond.” The suspects seemed to have been directed to specific targets, though one later indicated confusion about the location.

The men, some of whom have links to Sydney’s eastern suburbs, have been charged under Strike Force Pearl, a task force set up to investigate these crimes. Some of the suspects claim they were coerced into committing the attacks due to financial debts or threats of violence.

While it remains unclear where the payments are coming from, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged that authorities are looking into the involvement of international actors, though he did not provide further details.

Government Response and Political Tensions

Jewish leaders have expressed frustration over what they see as a slow response from government officials, particularly as the attacks have gained a political dimension. Liberal Party leader Peter Dutton criticized the government for its reaction to a pro-Palestinian protest in Sydney following the Gaza war, which he believes contributed to rising antisemitism.

However, Albanese has defended his administration’s response, urging the need to unite the country and avoid exploiting the situation for political gain. He emphasized that law enforcement has already taken steps, including arrests, to address the issue.

In a joint statement, multi-faith and human rights organizations called for a collective effort to combat racism and hate crimes, urging political leaders not to politicize these tragedies.

Rising Security Measures and Community Support

In response to the wave of attacks, security has been increased around Jewish sites in Sydney, including synagogues, schools, and businesses. Premier Chris Minns condemned the violence, calling it “completely disgusting” and vowing that those responsible would be apprehended. However, some Jewish groups argue that more proactive measures are needed to address the root causes of rising hate.

Max Kaiser, the executive officer of Jewish Council Australia, stressed that policing alone won’t solve the broader issue of racism in Australia. He called for greater education and community efforts to foster unity across different faiths.

For Judith Lewis, the impact of the attack on her family’s café extends beyond the destruction of property. While grateful for the support from suppliers and community members who rallied to help reopen her business, she remains deeply disturbed by the attacks.

“They destroyed our thriving business of 55 years,” Lewis said. “But the support from the community has been fantastic. People wanted to help from the moment the fire happened.”

Looking Ahead: A Need for Change

As investigations continue and arrests are made, the Jewish community in Australia remains on edge. The broader issue of rising hate and racism, however, requires long-term efforts to address the underlying causes and foster a more inclusive society. Authorities are focused on both short-term actions to stop these crimes and long-term strategies to prevent such hate from spreading further.

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