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Counter-Terrorism Police Investigate Vandalism at Sydney Synagogue
Authorities in Sydney are ramping up efforts to identify those responsible for a vandalism incident involving swastikas at a local synagogue, with the investigation now under the purview of counter-terrorism police. This shift comes as calls for public assistance grow from both police officials and state government leaders.
Penny Sharpe, the acting Premier of New South Wales, expressed confidence in the capabilities of the counter-terrorism unit, assuring that they are equipped with the necessary resources and intelligence to handle the situation effectively. Sharpe highlighted the unit’s ability to coordinate local efforts and disseminate critical information, such as security footage from the scene.
This recent attack occurred early Saturday morning at the Newtown synagogue, where a male and female suspect were caught on camera spray-painting red swastikas. In a concerning escalation, the assailants also ignited a flammable liquid which extinguished shortly after. New South Wales police commissioner, Karen Webb, pointed out that while the fire was quickly contained, it posed significant risks to nearby residences where people were still sleeping.
David Ossip, president of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, condemned the act, labeling it as a “failed act of terrorism.” He emphasized that the attack was not merely an act of graffiti but an attempt to target a place of worship and endanger the surrounding community.
The investigation into this incident has now been taken over by the hate crime unit within the counter-terrorism command. Webb urged anyone with information regarding the attack to reach out and assist law enforcement. She noted that there are additional local investigations into related vandalism incidents involving hate symbols, which will continue separately unless they show a connection to the Newtown case.
In light of these incidents, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the government’s actions against growing antisemitism, emphasizing his lifelong commitment to combatting racism and anti-Semitism. He pointed out the government’s new legislation banning Nazi symbols and salutes as a measure of progress.
However, critics from the federal opposition contend that the government’s efforts have fallen short. They argue that the Labor party has been sluggish in strengthening anti-hate laws and in the establishment of a federal task force dedicated to combating antisemitism.
The frequency of antisemitic incidents in Australia has raised alarms. Just before the Newtown attack, a similar act of vandalism was reported in Queens Park, with swastikas appearing across various properties including vehicles. Furthermore, prior attacks have included vandalism at the Southern Sydney synagogue and derogatory remarks targeted at a community poster in Marrickville.
Local government leaders, including Inner West mayor Darcy Byrne, have voiced their outrage, labeling the vandalism as “appalling and cowardly.” Byrne underscored that such attacks are contrary to the values upheld by the multicultural and multi-faith communities in the inner west of Sydney.
Police have appealed for public assistance and have released descriptions and images of two individuals connected to the Newtown incident, one observed on a mountain bike and the other on a motorised scooter.
The surge in hate speech and acts of intimidation across Australia has been correlated with broader geopolitical tensions, particularly those arising from the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Race discrimination commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman noted a marked increase in antisemitism, Islamophobia, and racial discrimination against Arabs and Palestinians over the last several months.
Source
www.theguardian.com