Australian police are investigating whether foreign individuals or groups have funded local criminals involved in a series of antisemitic attacks targeting Jewish communities. The attacks, which include arson at a child care center and carjackings near predominantly Jewish neighborhoods, have also resulted in vandalism and injuries at synagogues in Sydney and Melbourne.
The two southeastern cities account for 84% of Australia’s Jewish population, making them the primary targets. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese suggested that some attacks may be motivated by financial gain rather than ideology, though he emphasized that it’s unclear who or where the payments are coming from.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw confirmed that detectives are probing potential foreign funding for these crimes. Neither Albanese nor the police provided further details on the evidence leading to the current investigation.
Earlier this week, a 33-year-old man was charged with trying to set a Sydney synagogue on fire in January, while eight others were charged with hate crime incidents dating back to November.
(tj/sms)
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/australia-eyes-possible-foreign-role-in-antisemitic-attacks/a-71367503