• NSW Premier Chris Minns condemns recent synagogue attack as an escalation of antisemitic crime.
• Police confirm arson attempt on a Sydney synagogue with concerns about terrorism.
• Incidents of antisemitism in Australia have surged following the Israel-Hamas conflict.
• Government responds with increased security measures for the Jewish community.
• Prime Minister Albanese emphasizes the need for communal tolerance and safety.

The premier of New South Wales (NSW), Chris Minns, declared on Sunday that the attack on a synagogue in Sydney on Saturday represents a significant escalation in antisemitic crimes within the state. This comes after authorities noted that the incident involved an attempted arson, raising grave concerns among community leaders and law enforcement. In recent months, Australia has witnessed a troubling rise in incidents targeting Jewish communities, which includes vandalism and other criminal activities. Notably, last year saw an alarming arson attack on a synagogue in Melbourne, classified as terrorism by police.

On Saturday, police reported an incident of antisemitic graffiti at a synagogue located in the inner suburb of Newtown, as well as an attempted arson at the same location. During a televised press briefing, Premier Minns confirmed, "This is an escalation in antisemitic crime in New South Wales. Police and the government remain very concerned that an accelerant may have been used." Additionally, police commissioner Karen Webb announced that these investigations have now been transferred to the counterterrorism command.

Further investigations revealed that a residence in Sydney's eastern suburb— a central area for the Jewish population—had also been defaced with antisemitic messages. This adds to the urgency as police also examine derogatory remarks on a street poster found in the suburb of Marrickville.

In light of these events, the establishment of a special police task force was initiated to probe an attack on a synagogue in Southern Sydney which occurred early on Friday. David Ossip, the president of the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies, expressed gratitude for government assistance, stating, "The New South Wales government has also provided us with additional funding to enhance Jewish communal security."

This alarming rise in antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents in Australia has been observed since the onset of conflict between Hamas and Israel in October 2023, prompting concerns among community leaders and activists regarding the adequacy of governmental responses. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese concurred by stating that there is "no place in Australia, our tolerant multicultural community, for this sort of criminal activity" [source: SCMP] [source: VOA News].