A deliberate attack targeting a Jewish symbol has shaken a Melbourne community on Christmas Day. In the early hours of the morning, a car bearing a prominent 'Happy Chanukah' sign was firebombed while parked in a residential driveway.
Attack in the early hours of Christmas Day
The incident occurred on Balaclava Road in St Kilda East at approximately 2:50 am on Thursday, December 25. Emergency services discovered a silver Mazda CX-8 well alight in the home's driveway. Fortunately, no one was inside the vehicle at the time of the attack.
As a safety precaution, residents of the house were evacuated while firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze. Victoria Police have confirmed they are treating the fire as suspicious and their investigation is actively ongoing.
"Detectives have identified a person who may be able to assist with their investigation," a police statement revealed. Authorities are appealing to the public for any information, dashcam footage, or CCTV that could shed light on the crime.
Community response and heightened vigilance
The Community Security Group (CSG), a Jewish organisation responsible for protecting community events and buildings, swiftly acknowledged the attack. In a social media post, CSG Victoria stated the car had a Chanukiah (a Hanukkah menorah) on its roof when it was firebombed just after 3:00 am.
The group confirmed that no community members were physically harmed and that they remain in close contact with Victoria Police. CSG also noted that its operations were already at a "heightened level with increased patrols" prior to this incident, a state which will continue.
"We urge the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour," the CSG statement concluded, directing people to its 24/7 emergency hotline.
Context following recent tragedy
This disturbing event comes roughly two weeks after the Bondi terrorist attack, which targeted people celebrating Chanukah and resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals. While no direct link has been established, the timing and symbolic nature of the car attack have heightened concerns within the Jewish community about safety and targeted hostility.
The investigation by Victoria Police detectives continues as they work to determine the precise motive and identify those responsible for the firebombing.
