A car bearing a mobile billboard with a 'Happy Chanukah' message has been deliberately set on fire in a suspected antisemitic attack in Melbourne, Australia. The incident occurred in the early hours of Christmas Day, less than two weeks after a deadly terror attack targeted Jewish people in Sydney.
Christmas Morning Attack in St Kilda East
Emergency services were called to a property in the suburb of St Kilda East at approximately 2:50 am on 25 December after reports a vehicle was alight. The car, which was parked in a driveway, was displaying a mobile billboard featuring the festive greeting 'Happy Chanukah' and the symbol of a chanukiah, the nine-branched candelabrum central to the Hanukah celebration.
Police confirmed that no one was inside the vehicle at the time. However, as a precautionary measure, the occupants of the house were evacuated. Detectives have identified a person of interest and are actively searching for them to assist with the investigation.
Context of Rising Tensions
This disturbing event follows closely on the heels of the Bondi terror attack on 15 December, which claimed 15 lives and targeted individuals celebrating Hanukah. In the wake of that tragedy, a video of victim Rabbi Eli Schlanger happily installing a menorah on his van, captioned "Here's The Best Response to Combat Antisemitism," was widely shared.
The Jewish protection group CSG Victoria confirmed it was aware of the St Kilda East incident and that no community members were injured. The group stated it was in close contact with police and noted it had already been operating at a heightened level with increased patrols, which would continue.
Community Impact and Police Response
Placing menorahs or signs on cars is a common practice for Jewish organisations like Chabad during the Hanukah period, making this attack a direct assault on a visible symbol of faith and celebration. The firebombing has sent shockwaves through the local community, raising serious concerns about safety and religious intolerance.
Victoria Police are treating the blaze as suspicious and are pursuing all lines of inquiry. The force has urged anyone with information to come forward as they work to apprehend the individual believed to be connected to the crime.
