Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP has condemned acts of antisemitic vandalism that occurred in Woollahra in the early hours of yesterday morning.
Ten cars parked along several Woollahra streets, as well as three properties, were graffitied with antisemitic messages, with one of the cars being set alight.
“The antisemitic acts of vandalism that occurred this week in Woollahra are shocking and shameful, and I condemn them unreservedly,” Archbishop Fisher said in a statement.
“Sadly, these types of attacks are becoming all too frequent. No person or group in this country should be subject to hatred, intimidation or violence based on their faith or ethnicity.”
Archbishop Fisher warned that Australia’s proud multicultural and multifaith culture cannot be taken for granted.
“Our nation is proudly multicultural, and we accept and welcome people of all faiths. It is for precisely this reason that many people fleeing persecution around the globe—whether for reasons religious, sectarian, or ethnic—make Australia their home.
“But this is something we must constantly work to keep. I call on all people, including our civic and religious authorities at every level, to do all they can to ensure that our society is peaceful and free from acts of hatred,” the archbishop said.
The incident was also condemned by politicians at all levels of government.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that the “disturbing scenes” were “deeply troubling to all Australians.”
“There is no place for antisemitism in Australia. Conflict overseas cannot be made a platform for prejudice at home,” he said.
NSW Premier Chris Minns labelled the attacks deplorable, unacceptable and unAustralian, and made it clear that the full force of the law would be brought to bear on those who participated in the behaviour.
The premier visited the Emanuel Synagogue in Woollahra this morning to meet with Jewish leaders. Following the meeting, Mr Minns told media that “both the police and the NSW government will throw the book at anyone who is attempting to racially vilify, intimidate or enact antisemitic violent acts on members of our community for no reason other than their faith; for no reason other than their religion.”
Woollahra Mayor Sarah Swan said that the “hateful criminal activity is not welcome anywhere in Australia, and it is very distressing and worrying for our community.”
NSW Police have established Strike Force Mylor to investigate the vandalism.
