Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has issued a forceful condemnation of an alleged antisemitic hate incident in Melbourne, describing the targeting of young Jewish boys as 'beyond disgusting' and asserting such behaviour 'has no place in our country'. The incident, now under police investigation, occurred in the St Kilda East area on Monday night.
Details of the alleged hate incident
Victoria Police report that up to five school-aged boys were on Glen Eira Road in St Kilda East at approximately 9:50pm on Monday when a white utility vehicle drove past. It is alleged that occupants of the vehicle yelled antisemitic abuse, including Nazi slogans, at the group. The ute then stopped a short distance away before performing a U-turn and driving towards the victims as they ran across the road. Fortunately, no one was physically injured, and the vehicle subsequently fled the scene.
Political and community condemnation
In a strong statement, Prime Minister Albanese said the alleged attack would have been a 'terrifying ordeal' for the young Australians targeted for their faith. 'At a time when Australians are joining with the Jewish community in sorrow and solidarity, it is beyond disgusting to see these cowards shouting Nazi slogans at young people,' he stated, adding that he wanted the perpetrators to 'face the full force of the law'.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan echoed the sentiment, confirming that antisemitic behaviour 'has absolutely no place here in Victoria'. She highlighted that performing a Nazi salute, as was reported in some accounts of the incident, is a banned act in the state and can lead to prosecution. Premier Allan also pledged to further strengthen Victoria's anti-hate laws when parliament returns.
Police investigation and community impact
Detectives from the Moorabbin Crime Investigation Unit have identified two persons of interest and are pursuing several lines of inquiry. Police have also indicated the perpetrators are likely linked to other recent offences in the area, including aggravated burglaries and vehicle theft.
The local federal MP for Macnamara, Josh Burns, whose electorate includes St Kilda, described the area as a 'hub of Jewish life' populated by descendants of Holocaust survivors who came to Australia seeking safety. 'To see that happen is just unacceptable,' he told Sky News.
Naomi Levin, CEO of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria, labelled it a 'disgraceful, antisemitic attack'. She confirmed video was circulating of the school-aged boys being threatened outside a Jewish community and education centre. The incident occurred near the Adass Israel synagogue, a site built by Holocaust survivors which was itself the target of an arson attack in December 2024.
A Victoria Police spokesperson reiterated there is 'absolutely no place in our society for antisemitic, racist or hate-based behaviour'. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with CCTV or dash-cam footage to contact Crime Stoppers.
