Police in the Australian state of Victoria are treating a car fire in the Melbourne suburb of St Kilda as a potential hate crime after the vehicle was discovered covered in antisemitic symbols. The incident occurred on the final night of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.
Vehicle Set Alight During Festival of Lights
The burnt-out vehicle was found on Charnwood Road in St Kilda East in the early hours of Thursday, 26 December 2025. Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 2:45 am after reports of a car on fire.
Upon arrival, firefighters from Fire Rescue Victoria extinguished the blaze. A subsequent examination of the scene revealed the car had been extensively vandalised with graffiti before being set alight. The graffiti included antisemitic symbols and the phrase "Happy Chanukah," a mocking reference to the Jewish holiday that had concluded at sundown the previous evening.
Victoria Police confirmed the Arson and Explosives Squad is leading the investigation, indicating the serious nature of the incident. No injuries were reported, but the event has sent shockwaves through the local community.
Community Leaders Condemn Antisemitic Attack
The attack has been swiftly condemned by both political and Jewish community leaders. David Southwick, the Member for Caulfield and shadow minister for police and community safety, described the act as "disgusting" and a direct attack on the Jewish community. He emphasised the need for a swift and thorough police investigation.
Representatives from the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) also expressed their alarm and distress. The timing of the attack, deliberately coinciding with Hanukkah, is seen as a particularly hateful and targeted act of intimidation.
Local residents reported hearing a loud explosion before seeing the flames, suggesting an accelerant may have been used to ignite the vehicle. The destruction of the car was total, leaving behind only a charred shell on the quiet residential street.
Police Appeal for Information and Witnesses
Victoria Police have launched a public appeal for information. Detectives are urging anyone who was in the Charnwood Road area between midnight and 3:00 am on Thursday, or who may have relevant dashcam or CCTV footage, to come forward.
"We are treating this with the utmost seriousness," a police spokesperson stated. "The presence of hate-based graffiti elevates this from simple vandalism to a potential hate crime. Our investigators are working diligently to identify those responsible."
The incident has raised concerns about a potential rise in antisemitic sentiment and follows a global pattern of increased reporting of hate crimes against religious and ethnic minorities. Community leaders have called for unity and vigilance in the face of such hatred.
As the investigation continues, forensic specialists are examining the scene for evidence. Police have not yet confirmed if they have identified any suspects but maintain that all lines of inquiry are being actively pursued to bring the perpetrators to justice.
