Melbourne Firebombing Sparks Urgent Calls for Royal Commission on Antisemitism

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Antisemitism must be treated as a public safety issue, says a Jewish leader, as authorities hunt for a suspect behind an alleged hate-related firebombing in the wake of the Bondi terror attack.

No one was inside the vehicle at the time, but the home’s occupants had to be evacuated as a precaution.

Police are investigating the suspicious fire and have identified a person who may be able to assist with inquiries.

Jeremy Leibler, the President of the Zionist Federation of Australia, has described a recent attack as an attempt to intimidate Jews simply for their visible Jewish identity. He emphasized the need for action against such acts of antisemitism.

In response to what is believed to be an antisemitic attack in Melbourne, Leibler is advocating for a royal commission to address the issue. The call comes in the wake of increasing concerns about antisemitic actions in Australia. Source: AAP / James Ross

“This is not what any family, street or community deserves to wake up to on Christmas Day in Australia,” she said on social media.

“We have a duty to this community: to ensure their families are safe and feel safe right now, and to work long-term in a serious effort to drive anti-Semitism and hate out of our state.”

“In light of the Bondi incident and numerous recent threats nationwide, it’s crucial for Australia to view antisemitism as a pressing public safety issue rather than a minor community problem,” Leibler stated.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has been updated on the car firebombing incident, which involved a vehicle associated with spreading Hanukkah and holiday joy. The community is understandably concerned that this could be an antisemitic act.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the apparent firebombing attack was “beyond comprehension”.

This attack follows a tragic event where two gunmen, influenced by Islamic State, opened fire during Hanukkah celebrations at Bondi Beach on December 14, resulting in 15 fatalities.

But the prime minister has resisted calling a federal royal commission into the Bondi attack, instead backing a NSW inquiry and prioritising a quicker but more limited review of intelligence and law enforcement agencies.

Hate speech reforms and an overhaul of ministerial powers to cancel or reject visas for sowing division or potentially inciting violence are also on the agenda.

The Victorian government has promised to follow NSW’s footsteps to crack down on hate crimes and grant police the power to veto protests after designated terror attacks.