Anti-Semitic Incidents Surge in New South Wales Amid Recent Synagogue Attacks

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New South Wales Premier Chris Minns condemned a series of anti-Semitic crimes following a recent attack on a synagogue in Melbourne's Newtown. On January 12, 2025, police reported anti-Semitic graffiti at the synagogue and an attempted arson, highlighting a troubling trend of increasing anti-Semitic incidents in the region.

Over the past year, Australia has witnessed a surge in anti-Semitism, including vandalism and other attacks, particularly in Sydney. The recent incidents have prompted counter-terrorism efforts by local authorities, as police express concern over the potential use of accelerants in the arson attempt.

In addition to the Newtown incident, a home in Sydney's eastern suburbs was also defaced with anti-Semitic graffiti and a special police task force has been formed to investigate an earlier attack on the Southern Sydney Synagogue.

David Ossip, president of the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies, welcomed the government's commitment to enhance security for the Jewish community, mentioning additional funding for Jewish communal safety. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that such criminal activities have no place in Australia's multicultural society. The rise in anti-Semitic and Islamophobic incidents is linked to tensions arising from the Israel-Hamas conflict that escalated in late 2023.

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