A car bearing a sign wishing the public a 'Happy Chanukah' has been deliberately set alight in what authorities are treating as a suspected antisemitic hate crime. The shocking incident occurred in the Melbourne suburb of Caulfield North, a neighbourhood with a significant Jewish population, during the Jewish festival of lights.
Details of the Deliberate Attack
Emergency services were called to the scene on Balaclava Road just after 3:30 am on Wednesday, 25 December 2024. Upon arrival, they discovered a vehicle that had been extensively damaged by fire. The car was notably displaying a placard with the festive greeting 'Happy Chanukah' in its rear window, a detail that has led police to suspect a religiously motivated attack.
Victoria Police confirmed that the fire is being treated as suspicious and that the Arson and Explosives Squad is leading the investigation. Initial reports indicate that an accelerant was likely used to start the blaze, which completely gutted the interior of the car. Fortunately, no one was injured in the attack.
Community Reaction and Police Response
The attack has sent waves of alarm and distress through Melbourne's Jewish community, particularly as it took place during Chanukah, a time of celebration. Local leaders and organisations have strongly condemned the act. The Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC) described the firebombing as a 'shocking act of antisemitic hatred' that targeted a symbol of Jewish faith and joy.
Dvir Abramovich, chair of the ADC, emphasised the chilling message such an attack sends. Police have increased patrols in the Caulfield area as a reassurance measure and are actively reviewing CCTV footage from the vicinity. They have appealed to the public for any information that could assist their enquiries.
Broader Context and Ongoing Concerns
This incident occurs against a backdrop of rising reports of antisemitism both in Australia and globally, particularly following the recent conflict in Gaza. Community groups have noted a sharp increase in threats, vandalism, and harassment targeting Jewish individuals and institutions.
The firebombing is one of the most severe and brazen acts in recent memory, moving beyond graffiti or verbal abuse to a direct act of potentially lethal violence. Authorities and community safety organisations are urging vigilance and encouraging anyone who experiences or witnesses hate-motivated behaviour to report it immediately to the police.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on identifying the perpetrators and understanding the full motives behind this attack, which has violated the sanctity of a religious holiday and the security of a community.
