Explosives Discovered in Sydney Amid Rising Antisemitic Attacks

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Australian police have thwarted a potential antisemitic attack in Sydney after discovering a hidden caravan containing enough explosives to create a bomb with a blast radius of approximately 130 feet. This operation took place on January 19 in the suburb of Dural, as announced by New South Wales Deputy Police Commissioner David Hudson during a news conference on Wednesday, January 29, 2025.

The explosive substance, identified as Powergel, is commonly used in the mining industry. Alongside the explosives, authorities also found a list of unspecified Jewish targets, which have been communicated to the relevant community members.

This incident is part of a troubling trend in Australia, characterized by a sharp increase in antisemitic attacks, including arson and graffiti incidents, particularly in major cities over recent months. Notably, last December, an arson attack targeted Melbourne's Adass Israel Synagogue, causing injuries and significant damage.

Commissioner Hudson described the discovery as a grave "escalation" in antisemitism, emphasizing the dangerous potential of the explosives. Meanwhile, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns indicated that the counterterrorism unit is actively investigating the matter. He labeled the situation a potential mass casualty event and expressed significant concern about the psychological impact on the Jewish community.

Since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023, major Australian cities have seen a rise in both antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents, which have included threats against places of worship and community centers. Despite several arrests related to recent attacks, no individuals have yet been apprehended in connection with the explosives found in Dural.

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