A car bearing a ‘Happy Chanukah’ sign was deliberately set on fire in Melbourne, intensifying community anxieties just days after the tragic Bondi Beach massacre. While official investigations are underway to determine the precise motivations behind the arson, Jewish community representatives have roundly denounced the act, citing a disturbing increase in antisemitism and the growing peril faced by their community.
The Australian Jewish Association has voiced significant concern, asserting that antisemitism has been escalating in Australia for the last two years. The group attributes this worsening situation to governmental inaction and, at times, incitement. They described the overnight fire-bombing of the car in Melbourne’s Balaclava Road as a consequence of allowing the antisemitism crisis to grow unchecked.
The recent memory of the Bondi Beach shooting on December 14th, which resulted in 15 fatalities and 38 injuries, looms large. The attackers, a father and son reportedly trained with firearms in a remote location, were responsible for the deadliest mass shooting in Australia since 1996. In response to the profound impact of this event, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has revealed plans to establish a new national bravery award. This honor will be dedicated to recognizing the exceptional courage displayed by civilians and first responders during the Bondi Beach terror incident, celebrating those who selflessly protected others.