A young man was attacked by an individual in a gathering of approximately 300 people around 9 p.m. The incident left him with minor injuries.
The victim, accompanied by his father, reported the assault to the police the following day.
Speaking to 9News, the man, identified as Levy, expressed his shock over the unexpected attack.
“He tapped me on the shoulder, and I turned around, assuming it was a friend. Instead, I was immediately disoriented,” Levy recounted.
The assault resulted in bruising around his nose and swelling on his cheek, as he was struck three times.
“It’s unacceptable to harm others because of their opinions,” Levy emphasized.
Police believe it was a targeted attack.
“Victoria Police understand incidents of antisemitism can leave communities feeling targeted, threatened, and vulnerable,” police said in a statement.
“There is absolutely no place in our society for antisemitic, racist or hate-based behaviour and such activity will not be tolerated.”
The Anti-Defamation Commission condemned the incident in a statement and said the young man was struck three times in the face while walking with an Israeli flag draped around his shoulders.
Commission Chair Dr Dvir Abramovich said the teenager was attacked for being “visibly Jewish”.
“We are watching something dark and rotten in this country become worse every day,” he said.
“An 18-year-old man was verbally intimidated, stalked and beaten because he was visibly Jewish.
“This could have ended in brain trauma, in a hospital corridor, in a family standing over a coffin.”
Abramovich urged police to pursue an investigation.
Police said an investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
No arrests have been made.
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