Last night around 9:50 p.m., a troubling incident unfolded on Glen Eira Road in St Kilda East. A group of teenage boys, making their way home from night school, found themselves targeted by occupants of a passing ute.
According to police reports, the individuals inside the vehicle shouted antisemitic slurs at the boys before halting a short distance away from the corner. This unsettling encounter took a more dangerous turn when the frightened teens attempted to flee by crossing the road.
The ute then performed a U-turn, speeding back towards the boys and narrowly missing one of them. Despite the close call, the boys managed to escape as the vehicle drove away.
The father of one of the teens recounted the harrowing ordeal, stating that the ute lingered in the area for several minutes. During this time, the boys sought refuge out of sight within a nearby school.
“They’re extremely traumatized and shaken by the experience,” he shared, reflecting the deep impact of the night’s events on the young victims.
“They’re very traumatised, they’re very shaken up,” they said.
“He’s a pretty resilient boy living in this area. It’s not uncommon to have antisemitism screamed at you, but he was quite shaken up, which scared me.”
No one was physically injured in the incident, But Klein said the attack has left the boys living in fear.
“He was fearful to walk to school this morning. I’m hoping with time it will settle, but the boys are fearful,” he said.
“It’s very difficult times for everybody, for every Australian, to have people shouting and abusing and screaming, with such threats to escalate to that level, very confronting, very concerning.”
Premier Jacinta Allan has condemned the alleged attack and said police were investigating whether a Nazi salute was performed during the incident.
“That salute is banned here in Victoria, you can be prosecuted for that and Victoria Police will be investigating,” Allan said.
“We’ll continue to do everything we can to make it absolutely clear that antisemitic and hateful behaviour has no place here in Victoria and we intend to strengthen the law, sending a message [that] you will be dealt with for this behaviour.
“No matter whatever faith you are or where you come from, you have the right to live safely and freely here in Victoria.”
Investigators are urging witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report at crimestoppersvic.com.au.
