A vehicle displaying Chanukah decorations was set alight in the driveway of a home in St Kilda East.
A car firebombing incident in St Kilda East, southeast of Melbourne, has ignited urgent discussions on addressing anti-Semitism as a significant public safety concern. The attack occurred in the early hours of December 25, 2023, when a vehicle adorned with a chanukiah symbol, representative of Hanukkah, was set ablaze outside the home of a local rabbi. Fortunately, no one was inside the vehicle at the time, but authorities evacuated the household as a precaution.
Local law enforcement is actively investigating the suspicious fire. They have identified a person who may provide valuable insights into the case. Jeremy Leibler, president of the Zionist Federation of Australia, emphasized the need for a national response to combat anti-Semitism. He stated, “After Bondi, and with the number of recent threats and investigations around the country, Australia has to treat anti-Semitism as a public safety issue, not a niche community concern.”
Government and Community Response
The incident follows a tragic event on December 14, when two gunmen inspired by Islamic State opened fire during Hanukkah celebrations at Bondi Beach, resulting in the deaths of 15 individuals. In light of this recent attack, the Victorian Premier, Jacinta Allan, expressed her concern over the firebombing, highlighting that it is a significant issue affecting community safety. On social media, she remarked, “This is not what any family, street, or community deserves to wake up to on Christmas Day in Australia. We have a duty to this community: to ensure their families are safe and feel safe right now, and to work long-term in a serious effort to drive anti-Semitism and hate out of our state.”
The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, referred to the firebombing as “beyond comprehension.” He questioned the motivations behind such an act in the context of recent violence, stating, “What sort of evil ideology and thoughts at a time like this would motivate someone? We know that there is evil presence.”
Calls for National Inquiry
Despite the Prime Minister’s remarks, he has not supported the call for a federal royal commission into the Bondi attack. Instead, Albanese has expressed support for a New South Wales inquiry and is advocating for a quicker review of intelligence and law enforcement operations. Additionally, discussions regarding hate speech reforms and changes to ministerial powers concerning visa cancellations for individuals inciting violence are ongoing.
The Victorian Government has pledged to follow New South Wales in implementing stricter measures against hate crimes. This includes empowering police to have the authority to veto protests, particularly in the aftermath of designated terror attacks. The recent events have spotlighted the critical need for a comprehensive strategy to combat hate and violence in Australian society, making it imperative that authorities take decisive action to ensure the safety of all communities.
