'Hitler on top:' Sydney synagogue vandalized in latest antisemitic incident in Australia

A Sydney synagogue was vandalized with antisemitic graffiti on Friday morning, according to law enforcement, local politicians, and Jewish community groups, occurring as Australian Jews expressed outrage about ongoing antisemitic incidents in the city and across the country.

The Southern Sydney Synagogue was vandalized before dawn, the New South Wales Police Force said in a statement. A patrol spotted the graffiti and opened an investigation.

"Hitler on top," read part of the graffiti, according to photographs shared by the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies and Australian Jewish Association. "Free Palestine."

Swastikas were painted on the walls of the house of worship, and there was a mention of "Allah."

NSW Police said that they were looking for a Middle Eastern or Mediterranean man with a long brown beard who they believed could "assist with their inquiries."

NSW Premier Chris Minns said in a statement that he was outraged by the incident in his own electorate and insisted that the attack was not representative of the state's acceptance of the Jewish community.

Response and condemnation of the incident 

Executive Council of Australian Jews CEO Alex Ryvchin said on X that the Jewish community expected swift arrests to be made and called on officials and fellow citizens to denounce such behavior.

"As long as these people evade justice for trying to terrorize Australian citizens, it will continue," said Ryvchin.

The Board of Deputies said in a statement that Australians shouldn't be afraid to wake up each morning to another antisemitic incident. It called for stronger legislation against hate speech and incitement to violence.

"We are outraged by yet another disgraceful attack on a Jewish place of worship overnight," said the board. "This is unacceptable and undermines the social harmony and cohesion which Australians have long treasured."

The AJA noted on X that there was an element of anti-Israel activity to the crime and called on the government to take action against anti-Zionist extremists.

NSW opposition leader Mark Speakman said on social media that the vandalism was designed to instill fear and terror.

Australian opposition leader and Liberal Party head Peter Dutton warned on X that such incidents were the precursor for even greater evils and called for action to be taken before more attacks occurred.

Antisemitic incidents in Sydney 

The vandalism came not just a month after the high-profile arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne but a series of antisemitic incidents in Sydney.

A man was charged on Tuesday for driving past two pedestrians outside a place of worship last Saturday and making a shooting gesture. 

Police didn't say that Jewish worshippers were targeted, but two synagogues are on the short road in the Sydney suburb of St. Ives.

On Monday, a car was graffitied with the words "F**k the Jews” in the Queens Park suburb. 

The vehicular vandalism incident followed a car being set ablaze and two properties spray painted with anti-Israel messages in Sydney on December 11, several vehicles being vandalized with antisemitic graffiti, and another set on fire in the Woollahra area in mid-November.

As Jewish community leaders have expressed concern about their safety, the NSW government announced on December 22 new measures to ease security upgrades for houses of worship.

The Places of Worship 2024 State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) amendment would allow churches, mosques, and synagogues to install bollards, fencing, lighting, security cameras, safety glass, and reinforced doors. 

The state was also considering reforms to regulate protests outside of houses of worship, as stated in a generalized press release that did not emphasize the Jewish community over other groups.

“Places of worship should be sanctuaries of peace and safety. We are working to ensure all people can worship freely without fear. These changes will make that possible,” said Minns. 

“This decision follows several recent incidents of vandalism and arson against religious buildings in the state, highlighting the urgent need for heightened security.”