A car adorned with a “Happy Chanukkah” sign was firebombed in Melbourne’s St Kilda East on December 25, 2023, in what is believed to be an antisemitic attack. The vehicle belonged to the family of a rabbi, as confirmed by Rabbi Effy Block from the local Chabad community. This incident occurred just days after a tragic terror attack at Bondi Beach that left 15 dead.
The firebombing took place in the early hours of Christmas Day, igniting in a residential driveway and prompting the evacuation of nearby occupants for safety reasons. Rabbi Block expressed relief that no one was harmed but voiced deep concern for the Jewish community. He stated, “Thank God no people were harmed. This is a continuing escalation, where we see these events happening again and again. My Jewish community in St Kilda and Melbourne do not feel safe in their own homes and country.”
Police Investigate Rising Antisemitic Incidents
By midday on Christmas Day, local police announced they were seeking a person who could assist with their investigation. Member of Parliament David Southwick highlighted the significance of the attack’s location, noting its proximity to a Jewish school and the heavily Jewish-populated Carlisle Street area, often referred to as the “Bagel Belt” of Melbourne.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the firebombing as “beyond comprehension,” questioning the motivations behind such acts of hatred, especially during a festive season. He remarked, “We know that there is evil present. We saw that with this father and son terrorist atrocity at Bondi Beach.” The Prime Minister has faced criticism from segments of the Jewish community, who argue that he has not done enough to combat the rising tide of antisemitism in Australia.
Rising Antisemitism Amidst Community Concerns
Recent statistics underscore the urgency of addressing antisemitism in Australia. According to Jillian Segal, the Special Envoy on Antisemitism, there has been a staggering 316 percent increase in antisemitic incidents in the year leading up to October 2023. In response, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced intentions to lower legal thresholds for identifying antisemitic actions as illegal and proposed measures that would allow authorities to cancel visas based on hate incitement.
The Jewish community is grappling with a heightened sense of vulnerability as such incidents proliferate. The firebombing of the car, which aligns with Hanukkah traditions of displaying festive signs, serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by religious minorities in maintaining their safety and dignity.
As the investigation unfolds, community leaders and government officials are under increasing pressure to implement effective strategies to curb antisemitism and restore confidence among those who feel threatened in their own neighborhoods.
