Car burned in suspected anti-Semitic attack
Lloyd Jones |
A car has been set alight in the driveway of a house in a suspected anti-Semitic attack as authorities remain on high alert after the Bondi massacre.
Detectives in Melbourne are investigating the suspicious fire on Balaclava Rd in St Kilda East about 2.50am on Christmas Day.
Police said no one was inside the car, which had a Hanukkah-related sign on its roof, but the occupants of the house were evacuated as a precaution.
The car reportedly belongs to a local rabbi.
Detectives have identified a person who might be able to assist with their inquiries.
The Jewish protection group CSG Victoria noted the presence on the car of the chanukiah symbol, a nine-branched candelabrum associated with Hanukkah celebrations.
It confirmed no community members had been hurt in the incident and it remained in close contact with police.
“CSG has already been operating at a heightened level with increased patrols and will continue to do so,” the group said in an Instagram post.
State and federal governments have been under pressure to respond strongly to rising anti-Semitism following the terror attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on December 14, when gunmen targeted a Hanukkah gathering.
Fifteen people were killed in the attack, while dozens more were seriously injured.
Victoria has promised a crackdown on hate crimes and plans to grant police the power to veto protests following designated terror attacks in a move that will move similar legislation rapidly introduced in NSW.
AAP
