Two men from Sydney have been charged in connection with a series of antisemitic attacks, including arson and vandalism targeting Jewish sites and property. The incidents, which occurred in January, included an attempted arson at Newtown Synagogue and graffiti at the former home of Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry.
The two men, identified as Adam Edward Moule and Leon Sofilas, were arrested at a correctional facility and charged as accessories in multiple antisemitic incidents:
January 11, Queens Park: They allegedly attempted to set fire to Newtown Synagogue but failed. They then spray-painted red swastikas on the synagogue’s walls and fence. On the same day, five vehicles, a trailer, and two homes were vandalised with antisemitic graffiti, including the phrase “F** Jews.”*
January 17, Dover Heights: Two vehicles were set on fire, and two more cars and two homes were vandalised, including the former residence of Alex Ryvchin, whose property was defaced with offensive graffiti.
The suspects face charges of accessory before damaging property in the company and participating in a criminal group activity. One of the men also faces a charge of accessory before damaging property by means of fire.
Strike Force Pearl, a special police task force set up to tackle antisemitic incidents in Sydney, led the investigation. Since its formation, 13 individuals have been charged, including four related to arson attacks on Bondi businesses and three linked to a separate vandalism incident in Woollahra.
The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies welcomed the new charges but urged the legal system to take a firm stance against antisemitism, reports The Jerusalem Post.
“These arrests must now be matched with strong action by the courts. We need a clear message that this kind of hate won’t be tolerated on our streets,” the Board stated on Facebook.
The attacks occurred amid a spike in antisemitic incidents in Sydney, including the defacement of Southern Sydney Synagogue with swastikas and the slogans “Hitler on top” and “Free Palestine”. The perpetrators of that incident remain unidentified.
The attacks on Jewish property are part of a disturbing trend of rising antisemitism in Sydney. NSW Police continue to investigate, while Jewish community leaders call for stronger legal measures to combat hate crimes.
The arrests serve as a reminder of the persistent threat of antisemitism and the importance of vigilance and justice in protecting Jewish communities.
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