Sydney Childcare Centre Set Ablaze Amid Rise in Antisemitic Attacks

A childcare centre in Sydney was set on fire early Tuesday morning, with antisemitic graffiti sprayed on its walls, according to authorities. The incident marks the latest in a series of attacks targeting the Jewish community in Australia.

Located near a Jewish school and synagogue in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, the centre sustained significant damage in the attack, which occurred around 1 a.m. local time (1400 GMT, Monday). Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

This attack is the second antisemitic incident in Sydney within four days and adds to a growing list of similar crimes in the city. Australia has witnessed a surge in both antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents following Israel’s response to a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in an assault on Gaza causing significant casualties.

At least six such incidents have been reported in Sydney over the past two months, reflecting heightened tensions and increasing concerns within the Jewish community.