A childcare centre in Sydney’s eastern suburbs was set ablaze early Tuesday morning, in what authorities have condemned as a suspected antisemitic attack. Graffiti with hateful messages was found sprayed on the building’s walls, police confirmed, marking the latest in a string of incidents targeting the Jewish community in the region.
The attack, which occurred around 1 a.m. (1400 GMT, Monday), caused extensive damage to the property but fortunately resulted in no injuries. The centre’s proximity to a Jewish school and synagogue has heightened concerns among residents and authorities.
This incident follows a series of antisemitic crimes in Sydney, including graffiti, arson, and vandalism, with at least six reported in the past two months alone. Just four days earlier, another property was targeted in a similar hate-fueled attack.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns denounced the act as "completely disgusting" and vowed that those responsible would face justice. “The kind of people who would attack a fellow Australian because of their race or religion... these guys will be rounded up by the police,” Minns said during a press conference.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also condemned the attack, describing it as "a vicious crime." The federal government has launched a task force dedicated to investigating and preventing antisemitic threats and violence. This initiative resulted in its first arrest last week, charging a Sydney man for allegedly making death threats against members of a Jewish organization.
Australia has seen a marked rise in antisemitic incidents since October 2023, when the Israel-Hamas conflict escalated. Recent months have witnessed synagogues, Jewish schools, and businesses being defaced or attacked across the country, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne.
Notable incidents include the torching of the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne last December, now treated as a suspected terror attack, and multiple cases of arson and graffiti targeting Jewish-owned properties in Sydney.
In response to these events, Premier Minns announced plans to strengthen hate crime laws, including banning protests outside places of worship. The national cabinet is set to convene this week to address the broader issue of rising antisemitism and coordinate further protective measures.
Authorities have already made 40 arrests related to antisemitic offences, including eight for arson. However, public frustration over the lack of significant convictions persists, with opposition leaders criticizing the government’s handling of the crisis.
The Jewish community, particularly in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, has expressed growing unease as hate crimes continue to escalate. Leaders have called for stronger enforcement and more visible action to ensure their safety.
As investigations into the childcare centre fire and other recent attacks continue, federal and state officials have pledged to crack down on hate crimes and prevent further incidents. Meanwhile, community organizations are urging Australians to unite against racism and protect the country’s diversity.