Chanukah Car Targeted in Holiday Arson Attack

In the early hours of Christmas Day, December 25th, a vehicle displaying a 'Happy Chanukah' sign was deliberately set alight in the driveway of a St Kilda East property. This suspected antisemitic incident occurred less than two weeks after a deadly terror attack in Sydney. Emergency services responded around 2:50 AM to the firebombing. While no one was inside the car, the occupants of the house were evacuated as a safety precaution.

Detectives are currently conducting an investigation and actively searching for an individual believed to be able to assist with their inquiries. The Jewish protection group CSG Victoria confirmed no community members were harmed. They noted the presence of a chanukiah symbol on the car, associated with Hanukah celebrations.

CSG Victoria has increased patrols and is working closely with police following the incident. The holiday of Hanukah, celebrated by lighting a nine-branched candelabrum, often sees Jewish organizations place menorahs or signs on vehicles. This event follows a period of heightened concern for the Jewish community.