Melbourne police are searching for two male suspects after a group of Jewish teenagers was allegedly chased and threatened by occupants of a stolen vehicle in what authorities are treating as an antisemitic hate incident.
Victoria Police said the incident occurred around 9.50 pm Monday in St Kilda East, when five Jewish boys ages 15 and 16 were walking home along Glen Eira Road after finishing school studies in Ripponlea. A white vehicle, later confirmed to be stolen, drove past the group with its occupants allegedly shouting antisemitic abuse, reports the Guardian.
Police allege the vehicle then pulled over, conducted a U-turn, and deliberately drove toward the boys as they attempted to cross the road. Acting Commander Adrian Healy said the ute ran a red light and continued circling the area for several minutes, apparently searching for the teenagers.
“No one was physically injured,” Healy said, adding that the vehicle remained nearby for roughly five to six minutes before leaving the scene.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the incident, calling it an "antisemitic hate incident" that has "no place" in Australia. He said the teenagers would have faced a terrifying situation after being targeted for their Jewish faith.
“At a time when Australians are standing with the Jewish community in sorrow and solidarity, it is beyond disgusting to see cowards shouting Nazi slogans at young people,” Albanese said. He added that he expects those responsible to face the full force of the law.
The father of one of the boys, Adass community leader Chayim Klein, said the teenagers were shaken but returned to school. He said the alleged attackers performed a Nazi salute and made threats during the incident.
“They were screaming antisemitic abuse and threatening to come back and stab them,” Klein said. “They are the grandchildren of Holocaust survivors. They literally ran for their lives.”
“An attack on a Jew is an attack on Australians,” he said.
Detectives from the Moorabbin Crime Investigation Unit said Tuesday they have identified two male persons of interest and are pursuing several lines of inquiry. Police believe the suspects may be linked to other offences in the area, including aggravated burglaries and vehicle theft. The suspects remain at large.
Victoria Police said the incident occurred around 9.50 pm Monday in St Kilda East, when five Jewish boys ages 15 and 16 were walking home along Glen Eira Road after finishing school studies in Ripponlea. A white vehicle, later confirmed to be stolen, drove past the group with its occupants allegedly shouting antisemitic abuse, reports the Guardian.
Police allege the vehicle then pulled over, conducted a U-turn, and deliberately drove toward the boys as they attempted to cross the road. Acting Commander Adrian Healy said the ute ran a red light and continued circling the area for several minutes, apparently searching for the teenagers.
“No one was physically injured,” Healy said, adding that the vehicle remained nearby for roughly five to six minutes before leaving the scene.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the incident, calling it an "antisemitic hate incident" that has "no place" in Australia. He said the teenagers would have faced a terrifying situation after being targeted for their Jewish faith.
“At a time when Australians are standing with the Jewish community in sorrow and solidarity, it is beyond disgusting to see cowards shouting Nazi slogans at young people,” Albanese said. He added that he expects those responsible to face the full force of the law.
The father of one of the boys, Adass community leader Chayim Klein, said the teenagers were shaken but returned to school. He said the alleged attackers performed a Nazi salute and made threats during the incident.
“They were screaming antisemitic abuse and threatening to come back and stab them,” Klein said. “They are the grandchildren of Holocaust survivors. They literally ran for their lives.”
“An attack on a Jew is an attack on Australians,” he said.
Detectives from the Moorabbin Crime Investigation Unit said Tuesday they have identified two male persons of interest and are pursuing several lines of inquiry. Police believe the suspects may be linked to other offences in the area, including aggravated burglaries and vehicle theft. The suspects remain at large.
