Sydney's Jewish Community Targeted by Vandalism as Antisemitism Rises

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In a troubling incident, a second synagogue in Sydney has been vandalized within a span of 48 hours, sparking outrage and condemnation from local leaders. The Newtown synagogue in Sydney’s inner west was defaced with red swastikas spray painted on its front wall, mirroring a similar attack on the Southern Sydney Synagogue in Allawah. Both incidents are being investigated as hate crimes by the NSW Police Force.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns condemned the antisemitic acts, labeling them as "monstrous and appalling." He urged witnesses to come forward and announced a one-off grant of $340,000 to enhance security measures for the Jewish community in New South Wales.

David Ossip, president of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, emphasized that these acts are not mere vandalism but part of a broader campaign to intimidate the Jewish community. "The Jewish community is resilient and will not be intimidated," Ossip stated, while calling for solidarity against such hate-filled acts.

The recent spate of antisemitic attacks comes amid heightened tensions and insecurity for the Jewish population in Australia, where approximately 100,000 individuals reside, with significant communities in Sydney and Melbourne. Local leaders continue to call for unity in standing against hate and ensuring the safety of all communities.

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