A childcare center in Sydney’s Maroubra neighborhood was set on fire early Tuesday in what authorities suspect to be a targeted anti-Semitic attack. The building, located near a synagogue and other Jewish institutions, was also spray-painted with anti-Jewish graffiti before the arson. While the fire caused extensive damage, no injuries were reported, according to police.
This incident is the latest in a series of antisemitic crimes across Australia, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne, since the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023. These crimes have included arson, vandalism of buildings and vehicles, and an incident in Melbourne where a fire at a synagogue caused burn injuries to one individual.
In response to the growing threats, Acting New South Wales Police Commissioner Peter Thurtell announced an expansion of resources for Strike Force Pearl, a task force formed to investigate antisemitic crimes. Thurtell emphasized the importance of ensuring perpetrators are identified and brought to justice.
Sydney and Melbourne are home to the majority of Australia’s Jewish population, accounting for approximately 85%.
Source : https://www.timesofisrael.com/jewish-childcare-center-torched-in-latest-antisemitic-attack-in-australia/