No place for antisemitism in Victoria
It was an attack on all Jewish people and the social fabric Victorians hold so dearly.
When I visited the Adass Israel Synagogue just hours after December’s firebombing, the feeling of devastation was inescapable.
What was once a thriving community hub was now a burnt-out shell.
A sacred building part of the daily ritual of its worshippers, bustling on Friday nights and Saturday mornings, unrecognisable.
The arson attack was callous. It was targeted. And it was horrific.
It wasn’t just an attack on the local Jewish community.
It was an attack on all Jewish people and the social fabric Victorians hold so dearly.
It was an act seeded in hate and ignorance.
That’s why Victoria Police has made hunting down and charging those responsible the highest priority of our Counter Terrorism Command.
Through the Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT), which includes the Australian Federal Police and Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, our skilled investigators have been methodically pursuing all available lines of inquiry.
The very nature of investigations of this kind means I am limited in what I can say so as not to jeopardise its progress.
But be in no doubt, we are gathering evidence, we are gaining intelligence and we are committed to getting justice for what was done to the Adass Israel Synagogue and those it served.
This investigation is the JCTT’s highest priority and we have committed to giving investigators every tool and resource they need to do this important work.
Rest assured we will update you with further details as soon as operational considerations allow.
Of course, the wave of antisemitic behaviour Jewish people have endured since October 7, 2023 Hamas-led terrorist attack on Israel goes much further than what occurred at Ripponlea late last year.
Members of the Jewish community have been harassed, they have been physically attacked, and their homes and businesses have been plastered with messages and symbols of hate.
Indeed Jewish members of the police force itself are not immune from this type of behaviour while off duty.
There is no place for antisemitism in our state.
This is something Jewish people have heard repeatedly.
They rightly demand and deserve action, including from police.
Since October 2023 Victoria Police established Operation Park to monitor and coordinate the investigation of offences associated with the Middle East conflict, which are predominately targeted at Jewish people.
Police have so far received more than 160 reports of antisemitism and made 70 arrests overall, the majority of which relate to antisemitism.
Charges have subsequently been laid and already we have seen offenders jailed, ordered to serve community correction orders or fined through the courts.
The statewide operation includes providing an increased police presence around places of worship and significance to the Jewish community including schools, synagogues and community halls.
Since October 2023 police across the Glen Eira, Bayside, Stonnington and Port Phillip council areas have visited such locations 5660 times to perform reassurance patrols.
We have stepped up such patrols in recent weeks, responsive to both local and international events.
We continue to meet regularly with Jewish community leaders, including JCCV and the Community Security Group, and I am personally in contact weekly with congregation leaders from Adass Israel Synagogue.
I urge anyone subjected to antisemitic behaviour to report it so police can investigate.
I want the Jewish community to know Victoria Police is here to support you and we are here to protect you.
My visit to the Adass Israel Synagogue has only strengthened this resolve.
I look forward to returning when it is rebuilt where we may reflect on how we overcame the scourge of antisemitism together.
Chris Gilbert is Victoria Police Acting Deputy Commissioner Specialist Operations.
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