A ute was torched and cars and buildings vandalised with anti-Israel slogans in the Sydney suburb of Woollahra on Thursday morning.
Emergency services responded to the car fire in the eastern Sydney suburb, only to discover that a further 10 cars had also been damaged and buildings vandalised.
The vandalism was condemned by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who called it a 'deeply disturbing' attack on the Jewish community.
"These are disturbing scenes and deeply troubling to all Australians," he said.
"There is no place for antisemitism in Australia. Conflict overseas cannot be made a platform for prejudice at home. I have trust in our law enforcement agencies to deal with this."
Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-CEO Alex Ryvchin says the only way to counter fanaticism is through strength. Credit: Dean Lewins
Distressing but not surprising — Jewish leader
Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, said Thursday's attack was not surprising.
"It is obviously a very distressing day for local residents and also members of the Jewish community to wake up to this sort of violation, to see property damage, daubed with antisemitic slogans, to see a car set alight in the sleepy Sydney suburb, it's immensely distressing — but no aspect of this surprises us," he said.
"For over a year now we have seen the extremism of the anti-Israel movement, we have seen an escalation in their rhetoric and bad deeds, we have seen graffiti of this sort around this neighbourhood, we have seen the targeting of Jewish businesses, , and for it to escalate to this point, it's hardly surprising.
"I think Australians have had a gut full of this. It is a time for strong leadership, decisive police action and to put an end to this nonsense once and for all."
His sentiments were echoed by the Embassy of Israel in Australia, which called for urgent action following the attacks.
A "horrified" NSW Premier Chris Minns said those responsible will be brought to justice.
"Police are throwing massive resources at catching and then prosecuting these vile individuals that have perpetrated what is undeniably a hate crime," he told reporters on Thursday.
"I'm horrified to see that shocking act of violence aimed at the Jewish community."
Police are now looking for two suspects who were seen on CCTV footage running away from the scene.
Detective acting Superintendent Adam Solah said the damage bill could be more than $100,000.
"It is brazen, it is offensive (and) disgusting behaviour that's against community standards," he told reporters.
Local federal MP Allegra Spender said her community "won't be intimidated".
"Australians care about having a country that is welcoming to everyone of all faiths, backgrounds and sexualities, we will not be intimidated by fringe groups who want to try and divide us," she said.
