A synagogue in the Sydney suburb of Allawah was vandalized with antisemitic graffiti early Friday morning, marking yet another incident against the Jewish community in Australia. Police have announced the establishment of a special taskforce to thoroughly investigate this attack, according to New South Wales Police Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna. “The people who do this sort of thing should realize that we will be out in force to look for them, we will catch them and prosecute them,” he stated during a news conference.

Television footage displayed the offensive marks, which included several swastikas painted on the building along with a message that read “Hitler on top”. This incident follows a troubling rise in antisemitic occurrences across Australia in the past year. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack, asserting that “there is no place in Australia, our tolerant multicultural community, for this sort of criminal activity.”

Recent reports indicate that antisemitic incidents have surged since the escalation of conflict between Israel and Hamas in October 2023. In the past year, there have been numerous cases of graffiti and even drastic acts such as an arson attack on a synagogue in Melbourne, which local authorities classified as terrorism.

The Australian government had recently launched a taskforce aimed at addressing threats aimed at the Jewish community following these events, which also includes a renewed focus on preventing hate and violence. Concurrently, the country’s ice hockey federation recently canceled an international tournament due to safety concerns tied to the presence of the Israeli national team.

In light of these distressing events, there is a collective hope among community leaders and citizens that ongoing police efforts and governmental measures can foster a stronger, more inclusive society where such acts of hate are not tolerated. It is crucial for individuals, organizations, and the government to continue working together to promote tolerance and understanding, helping to create a safer environment for all Australians.

Overall, while the incidents reflect a concerning trend of rising intolerance, the government’s proactive response demonstrates a commitment to combating hate and protecting the rights of minority communities.