Adelaide Jewish family’s home targeted

Adelaide Jewish man Rosti Sverdlov’s Camden Park home was defaced with swastikas and the offensive words “Jewdog”, and he wants the graffiti to remain on his fence for the public to understand he was deliberately targeted.

“I want everyone to see because… it’s a fierce target to family, not public Jewish institutions… they want to come to… families and kids,” Sverdlov said.

CCTV footage showed three suspects arriving at 4am on Saturday, who sprayed the doorbell camera and covered the fence with graffiti. They also allegedly slashed the tyres of the family’s vehicle before driving off minutes later.

When Sverdlov was asked by the media what could have led to the attack, he said, “I am Jewish; I have seven kids… we never cover up that we are Jewish.”

Sverdlov said he wanted the attackers to know he “wasn’t afraid”.

“All neighbours, all friends offer me help to clean up the fence, but clean up the fence not my way now, if I clean up, I cover up,” he said.

South Australia’s Police’s Acting Assistant Commissioner Scott Fitzgerald stated at a press conference, “We believe the use of these symbols and the messaging is because the occupants are Jewish.

“There is no place in South Australia for antisemitism… In the strongest terms, we condemn these actions,” he said.

He said there would be increased police patrols to reassure the family and community.

“We’re asking anyone who has any information about their identity or anything that may lead to us identifying those people, to please call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000,” he said.

Acting Premier Kyam Maher stated, “I very much hope that whoever did this is caught, and that they come down like a ton of bricks on whoever did this.”

“South Australia has an enviable reputation as a tolerant, multicultural society, and when you see these sort of things you just shake your head and wonder what goes through someone’s mind?

“We introduced new legislation only a couple of years ago that bans the use of the Nazi symbol and the Nazi salute, that’s up to 12 months in jail or a $20,000 fine.”

The Jewish Community Council of South Australia condemned in the strongest terms the antisemitic vandalism of an Adelaide home on 11 July 2026.

Jewish Community Council president Annetay Henderson-Sapir, said “The shocking, cowardly act of damaging a family’s home and spreading antisemitic vitriol is unacceptable and un-Australian.”  She continued, “Every Australian deserves to live safely and in peace in their home. The South Australian Jewish community has a proud history in this state.  We will not allow hateful actions or fear rule our lives.”

“We thank SA Police for the swift commencement of an investigation and unequivocal statements that antisemitism will not be tolerated in South Australia.  We look forward to those responsible being held accountable.”