Australian detectives are examining whether foreign entities are funding criminal groups to carry out antisemitic attacks in the country, police confirmed Wednesday.
What's the Context
Australia Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw met with state police chiefs to address the surge in antisemitic crimes across the country following the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023.
What to Know
Australia Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw told reporters in the national capital, Canberra: "We believe criminals-for-hire may be behind some incidents." Kershaw added "So part of our inquiries include: Who is paying those criminals, where those people are, whether they are in Australia or offshore, and what their motivation is."
Kershaw also said authorities are investigating whether young people have been radicalized online and encouraged to engage in antisemitic acts.
How Are Police Responding to Anti-Semitism?
The inquiry is part of broader efforts to address the rise in antisemitic incidents following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, with police examining potential online influences that may be fueling extremist behavior.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday declined to comment on who might be paying for antisemitic crime in Australia.
An arson and graffiti attack on a child care center near a Sydney synagogue on Tuesday is the latest in a series of targeted incidents in Australia's largest cities, Sydney and Melbourne. The two cities are home to 85 percent of the country's Jewish population and have seen a surge in antisemitic crimes.
Authorities are intensifying efforts to address the growing number of attacks, which have sparked concerns within the Jewish community and prompted increased security measures.
Following the latest attack on a child care center near a Sydney synagogue, New South Wales Police announced the doubling of detectives tasked with investigating antisemitic incidents, from 20 to 40.
Have Australian Synagogues Been Attacked?
In December, an arson attack at a Melbourne synagogue left one person with burn injuries, underscoring the growing threat facing Jewish communities.
Authorities arrested 33-year-old Adam Edward Moule on Tuesday night, charging him with attempting to burn down a synagogue in Sydney's inner suburb of Newtown on Jan. 11. According to police, a liquid accelerant burned out before the fire could spread, and red swastikas were found painted on the building's exterior wall.
What People Are Saying
Australia Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw said "We are looking into whether overseas actors or individuals have paid criminals in Australia to carry out some of these crimes in our suburbs." Kershaw added "We are looking at if—or how—they have been paid, for example in cryptocurrency, which can take longer to identify."
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Wednesday "It is important that people understand where some of these attacks are coming from and it would appear … that some of these are being perpetrated by people who don't have a particular issue, aren't motivated by an ideology, but are paid actors."
What Happens Next
Moule, was set to appear in court on multiple charges Wednesday. However, the hearing was adjourned until Thursday to allow him time to secure legal representation. Moule will remain in custody until then.
New South Wales Police stated that they expect to arrest Moule's alleged accomplice soon, as investigations into the antisemitic attack continue.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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