‘Heil Hitler’ was reportedly shouted at a group of Jewish teenagers by the occupants of a white ute which chased the youngsters down a Melbourne street.
One of the teenagers was almost run over on the corner of Glen Eira Road and Hotham Street in St Kilda East – the heart of the city’s Jewish community – as he was waiting to cross the road.
The boys were standing at the intersection at 9.50pm on Monday when the ute drove past them before making a dramatic U-turn.
As they attempted to cross the road, the ute began accelerating in their direction, almost hitting one of the teenagers.
One of the boys’ fathers, Chayim Klein, said his son told him two people inside the ute had screamed ‘Heil Hitler’ and performed Nazi salutes.
‘They were forced to run and hide, while the occupants actively pursued them in the vehicle, searching for them and attempting to drive at them,’ he told the Herald Sun.
‘This was a deliberate, targeted act of intimidation and hatred that placed young lives in immediate danger and has left the community shaken.’
The two people in the ute also told the teens they would ‘be back in the morning’.
The ute stopped shortly after the traffic lights before turning around and driving towards the group of Jewish teenagers
The ute almost hits one of the teens before they make it to safety
Victoria Police told Daily Mail they were investigating a report of ‘antisemitic behaviour’ and were closing in on the suspects.
‘Fortunately, no-one was injured and the vehicle drove from the scene,’ they said.
‘Detectives have since identified two persons of interest in relation to the matter and are currently following up a number of avenues of enquiry.
‘It’s believed the offenders are also likely to be linked to a series of offending in the area including aggravated burglaries and vehicle theft.’
Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dr Dvir Abramovich told the publication the teens had been ‘turned into prey’.
‘If Jewish teenagers can be hunted in the open, metres from a synagogue that was firebombed last year, then something in this country has already snapped,’ he said.
Premier Jacinta Allan described the incident as hateful and said that antisemitic behaviour had no place in Victoria.
Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dr Dvir Abramovich said the teens had been ‘hunted’
She also pointed out that the ‘Heil Hitler’ salute was banned in the state and that Victoria Police would be investigating.
‘We already have the strongest anti-hate laws in the nation, and my plan is to strengthen them when parliament returns in a couple of weeks’ time,’ she said.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
