ECAJ is appalled by the alleged antisemitic attack on two young Jewish students visiting members of the Jewish community in Melbourne’s south-east on Friday afternoon.
According to reports, an 18-year-old student visiting from Canada was threatened with a knife, subjected to death threats and punched in the stomach while he and another student were visiting local residents ahead of the Sabbath. Victoria Police arrested a 69-year-old man at the scene and seized two pocket knives. The investigation remains ongoing.
For generations, Jewish Australians have been able to openly practise their faith without fear. It is deeply disturbing that young people peacefully going about their lives are allegedly threatened and assaulted simply because they are visibly Jewish.
Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. It reflects the continued rise in antisemitism that has left many Jewish Australians feeling increasingly unsafe in public. Hatred that goes unchecked inevitably leads to intimidation and violence.
We commend Victoria Police for their swift response and trust that the investigation will be thorough. If the allegations are substantiated, we expect the perpetrator to face the full force of the law.
We extend our support to the young men involved and commend their courage in continuing to live their Jewish identity proudly despite this disturbing ordeal.
