A family has been forced to flee their home on Christmas morning after a vehicle displaying a Hanukkah sign was firebombed in Melbourne’s south-east.
Emergency services raced to Balaclava Road in St Kilda East – the heart of the city’s Jewish community – at about 2.50am on Thursday after a car had been set alight in their driveway.
A billboard ontop of the car read: ‘Happy Chanukah’
The vehicle was engulfed in flames but was unoccupied at the time. Residents were evacuated as a precaution while firefighters worked to contain the blaze.
Police confirmed no injuries were reported.
The Moorabbin Crime Investigation Unit is leading the probe and has identified a person who may assist with their inquiries.
Detectives are appealing for anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage from the area to come forward.
The car has since been towed from the property.
A car has been firebombed in Melbourne’s southeast early on Christmas morning
The targeted vehicle which was set on fire had a Hanukkah sign mounted on its roof
The attack has sparked outrage in Melbourne’s Jewish community, with the Australian Jewish Association condemning the incident and describing it as part of a growing antisemitism crisis.
‘Car with Chanukah sign has been fire-bombed in Balaclava Rd in Melbourne overnight,’ the group said in a statement.
‘The new Australia where for over two years the antisemitism crisis has been allowed to escalate unchecked due to inaction and in some cases incitement by our governments.’
The incident comes amid heightened concerns over antisemitic acts nationwide, following the Bondi Beach Hanukkah by the Sea terror attack on December 14, which left 15 people dead.
Victoria Police said the blaze is being treated as suspicious.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
