Swastikas spray-painted outside synagogue in Sydney: Authorities condemn anti-semitic vandalism

Sydney, Australia: Australian authorities have condemned recent anti-Semitic vandalism in Sydney, describing it as "monstrous" after swastikas were spray-painted outside a synagogue and other properties were defaced. The incidents have raised concerns over rising tensions in the country.

Early on Saturday morning, vandals spray-painted red swastikas outside the entrance of an inner-city synagogue. A house in Sydney's affluent eastern suburbs was also targeted with anti-Jewish slurs. This follows a similar act of vandalism on Friday, when swastikas were painted on another synagogue in a different part of the city.

State Premier Chris Minns condemned the attacks, stating, "These people are determined to divide our community in two." He emphasized that such acts would always be called out for what they are -- "monstrous and appalling."

Rising tensions amid global conflicts

The vandalism follows a series of anti-Semitic incidents, including a synagogue being torched by masked arsonists in Melbourne last December. In response, the Australian government formed a federal task force to combat anti-Semitism.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has heightened tensions between supporters of Israel and Palestinians in Australia, leading to protests and an increase in hate crimes targeting Jewish communities.

Agency