Australia is currently grappling with a disturbing surge in antisemitic incidents, particularly in its two largest cities, Sydney and Melbourne. These attacks, which include arson on synagogues and the defacing of properties with swastikas, have caused widespread concern within the Jewish community. As the country’s Jewish population grows increasingly anxious, authorities are looking into the possibility that these attacks are linked to paid criminals or external actors, potentially complicating the investigation and adding to the fear surrounding these hate crimes.
One of the most poignant examples of the impact these attacks have had on the community comes from Judith Lewis, the owner of the Continental Kitchen, a kosher restaurant in Sydney that had been serving the local community for more than 50 years. In late October, Lewis’s family-owned café was set ablaze by arsonists, destroying both the building and a cherished symbol of faith, the mezuzah—a parchment inscribed with Hebrew prayers, traditionally placed on the doorposts of Jewish homes. The mezuzah, which had been hanging at the café for decades, was severely damaged in the fire.
Although Lewis has since replaced the mezuzah, she is hesitant to put it back up in the restaurant’s new location in Darlinghurst. Despite the fact that her café has been rebuilt, she remains uncertain about whether she should rehang the symbol of her faith. “I’ve got them sitting on my desk, and I’m a little bit hesitant to put them up… something’s holding me back at the moment,” she shared, reflecting the emotional toll these events have taken.
As attacks like the one on Lewis’s business continue to unfold, Australian authorities have launched a targeted operation called Special Operation Avalite to address the growing number of antisemitic acts. Since mid-December, over 160 incidents have been reported, including numerous arson attacks on Jewish sites and acts of vandalism. Authorities have arrested a number of suspects, but Jewish leaders are calling for a stronger response. They argue that there has been insufficient action, especially in light of the rising tensions linked to the ongoing war in Gaza.
Police are investigating potential links between local criminals and overseas actors, considering whether these attacks are part of a larger, more organized effort. Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw confirmed that they are exploring whether payments from external sources are driving some of these attacks. The situation has raised questions about the involvement of foreign actors, with some speculating that entities like Russian intelligence might be attempting to exacerbate political divisions within Australia.
Despite these investigations, authorities have yet to uncover the true scope of the external involvement, leaving both Jewish community members and the broader Australian public uneasy about what might be fueling these violent acts. Some of the individuals arrested in connection with the attacks have been found to have communicated with a mysterious third party, known by the alias “jamesbond,” who may be orchestrating these crimes. Local media has reported that text messages between the suspects have alluded to the involvement of an outside force directing the attacks.
One of the suspects arrested in connection with the arson attack on the Curly Lewis Brewing bar, just a few days before Lewis’s café was set on fire, explained that he had been coerced into committing the crime after owing a large sum of money to drug dealers. This suggests that some of the local criminals involved may have been acting under duress, further complicating the investigation.
As police intensify their efforts to investigate, the focus is not just on the individuals committing these crimes but also on the larger network that may be orchestrating them. The potential for organized crime—possibly funded by international groups—has become a significant concern, prompting calls from Jewish leaders for a more robust and coordinated response from the government.
Local law enforcement has increased security around Jewish sites, including synagogues and schools, and toughened their rhetoric against those responsible for the antisemitic violence. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns condemned the attacks, stating that those responsible would be “rounded up by New South Wales Police.” However, some within the Jewish community feel the government has been slow to act, a sentiment echoed by opposition leader Peter Dutton, who criticized the government’s handling of the situation and the failure to address the root causes of these attacks.
Dutton’s comments have politicized the issue, especially as Australia approaches a federal election in the coming months. His criticism focuses on what he describes as a “weak” response to anti-Israel protests that occurred in Sydney following the outbreak of the Gaza conflict in October 2023. Dutton believes that the government’s failure to act decisively during these protests has contributed to the current wave of violence.
Meanwhile, multicultural and human rights groups have united in calling for an end to the politicization of these attacks. They argue that while it is essential for leaders to condemn hate crimes, it is equally important not to use these events to gain political advantage. These groups also highlight the broader issue of racism, pointing out that Muslims, Arabs, and Palestinians have also been targeted by hate crimes in recent months.
While some suggest that the perpetrators of these antisemitic acts may have ulterior motives, including a desire to create division within Australian society, others point to online radicalization as a potential factor. It is unclear whether the individuals involved in the attacks have been influenced by extremist ideologies or whether their actions were simply driven by hatred.
One of the key figures in the ongoing investigation, Max Kaiser, executive officer of the Jewish Council of Australia, emphasized that policing alone would not solve the underlying problem of racism in Australia. He advocates for a broader, community-based approach to combating hate and fostering understanding between different religious and ethnic groups. According to Kaiser, while a strong law enforcement response is essential to addressing the immediate crisis, it is equally important to address the long-term issue of racial and religious intolerance through education and dialogue.
Despite the challenges, Lewis has been heartened by the support she has received from her community. Following the fire, local suppliers and supporters rallied around her, helping her to reopen the Continental Kitchen just three weeks later, although business has been slower than before. “The one thing that really, really stunned me was, right from the beginning, after the fire, people would come up and say, ‘Tell us what we can do. We can clean, we can do whatever you want,’” Lewis said. This solidarity from her community has been a bright spot in an otherwise dark time.
While the fight against antisemitism continues in Australia, the path forward will require a united effort from all sectors of society, including law enforcement, political leaders, and the broader public. The hope is that, through increased vigilance, stronger community engagement, and sustained efforts to address the root causes of hate, these disturbing attacks will be brought to an end.
