Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has issued a forceful condemnation of an alleged antisemitic hate crime targeting young Jewish boys in a Melbourne suburb, labelling the incident 'beyond disgusting'. The attack occurred in the heart of a well-known Jewish neighbourhood, sending shockwaves through the community.
Details of the St Kilda East Incident
According to Victoria Police, the incident took place on Monday night at approximately 9:50 PM on Glen Eira Road in St Kilda East. A group of up to five school-aged boys were allegedly targeted by occupants of a white utility vehicle.
Investigators state that the people inside the ute drove past the boys and yelled antisemitic abuse at them. The vehicle then stopped a short distance away. As the victims ran across the road, the ute performed a U-turn and drove towards them before leaving the scene. Fortunately, no one was physically injured.
Political and Community Condemnation
Prime Minister Albanese did not mince words in his response. 'This antisemitic hate incident targeting young Jewish boys has no place in our country,' he declared. He emphasised that the boys endured a 'terrifying ordeal' simply for their faith and stated his desire to see the 'cowards' responsible 'face the full force of the law'.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan echoed the sentiment, confirming that antisemitic behaviour has 'absolutely no place here in Victoria'. She specifically addressed reports that the perpetrators performed a Nazi salute, noting the gesture is banned in the state and prosecutable. Premier Allan also pledged to strengthen the state's already robust anti-hate laws when parliament resumes.
Police Investigation and Wider Context
Detectives from the Moorabbin Crime Investigation Unit have identified two persons of interest and are pursuing several lines of inquiry. Police have indicated the offenders are likely linked to other recent crimes in the area, including aggravated burglaries and vehicle theft.
The attack occurred near the Adass Israel synagogue, a site built by Holocaust survivors. This same synagogue was tragically subjected to an arson attack in early December 2024, an act Premier Allan had previously condemned as a hateful 'act of antisemitism'.
Local federal MP Josh Burns, whose electorate of Macnamara includes St Kilda, described the area as a 'hub of Jewish life' populated by descendants of Holocaust survivors who sought safety in Australia. 'To see that happen is just unacceptable,' he stated.
Naomi Levin, CEO of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria, called it a 'disgraceful, antisemitic attack' and urged for the perpetrators to be arrested under Victoria's new, stronger anti-vilification laws. Victoria Police reiterated there is 'absolutely no place in our society for antisemitic, racist or hate-based behaviour'. Authorities are appealing for anyone with CCTV or dash-cam footage to contact Crime Stoppers.
