A vehicle displaying a “Happy Chanukah!” sign was firebombed in St Kilda East, Melbourne, early on Tuesday morning, marking a troubling incident for the local Jewish community. The attack occurred around 2:50 AM and involved a car that featured a chanukiah symbol, a nine-branched candelabrum widely associated with Hanukah celebrations.
Only a few weeks ago, a shocking anti-semitic Bondi terror attack struck Jews gathered to celebrate Hanukah. This tragic event not only resulted in loss of life but heightened fears in the community. Naomi Levin, CEO of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria, expressed the heightened anxiety felt by many, stating that “the Australian Jewish community remains on edge.”
Emergency crews arrived within minutes after police got word that a vehicle was on fire. Awaiting the homeowner’s arrival, an arsonist parked their car in the driveway and set it on fire. This reckless stunt endangered the entire community, drawing the ire of the local citizens. The fact that chanukiah symbol was visible and outside of the vehicle means that this is yet another display of antisemitism.
In her response to the specific incident, the Prime Minister spoke to the fear that has gripped the Jewish community. “Australia’s Jewish community is in mourning after the Bondi terrorist attack. The firebombing of a car in Melbourne is another terrible act of suspected antisemitism,” he stated.
Daniel Aghion, a spokesman for the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), said that the firebombing was of grave concern. He did note that it’s seen as a one-off exception. “The ECAJ understands that the firebombing in Melbourne this morning is an isolated incident, and that the Melbourne Jewish community is not at further risk,” he said.
We mustn’t forget that social media has helped raise the alarm and galvanize action against the latest surge in antisemitism. A video of Chabadshluchim Rabbi Eli Schlanger dancing with a menorah on the roof of his minivan went viral and inspired Dance4Light. The video was captioned “Here’s The Best Response to Combat Antisemitism,” highlighting community resilience amid rising tensions.
Levin, who is Jewish, said she felt anger because threats against the Jewish community have continued even after previous attacks. “This is a continuation of the daily fear the Jewish community has had to live in for the past two years, and even more so after Bondi,” she remarked.
Even as investigations into the firebombing continue, most community members hope that this tragedy inspires heightened security measures to better protect America’s most vulnerable communities. The tragedy has opened up important dialogues about safety on campus, tolerance at our university, and actively supporting those who face hate.