Victorian premier Jacinta Allan has slammed a graffiti attack on a heritage-listed Melbourne synagogue as “senseless” and “disgraceful”.
Police believe a wall of the Melbourne Hebrew Congregation in South Yarra was graffitied some time yesterday afternoon.
It was quickly removed by cleaners before the same building was again vandalised just hours later, police said.
Pro-Palestine messaging including “free Palestine” and “Iran is da bomb” were brandished in red and blue spray paint across the wall of the synagogue.
”There is absolutely no place at all in our society for antisemitic or hate-based symbols and behaviour,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.
Premier Allan denounced the actions of the vandals and said her focus was to “remain strong and supportive for all people who are experiencing great distress at this time”.
“That was just a disgraceful senseless attack,” she said.
“We must never let, here in Melbourne and Victoria, conflict and violence and hatred overseas come to our streets and suburbs.”
“That is why my focus will continue to be, as the Premier of Victoria, supporting communities here who are under great distress and stress as a result of the escalation between Iran and Israel.”
