A car decorated for the Jewish festival of Chanukah was firebombed outside a family home in Melbourne’s inner south-east early on Christmas morning, in what Jewish leaders, politicians, and police believe is a targeted anti-Semitic attack.
The incident occurred just before 3am on Thursday in St Kilda East, when a grey Mazda CX-9 belonging to a rabbi was deliberately set alight in the driveway of a Balaclava Road property. At the time, the rabbi’s wife and four children — including a 15-month-old baby — were asleep inside the house just metres away.
The rabbi was not home at the time of the attack. After realising the vehicle was on fire, his wife rushed the children out of the house through the back door to safety. No one was physically injured, an outcome community leaders later described as “nothing short of a miracle”.
The vehicle was decorated for Chanukah, with footage from the scene showing a sign reading “Happy Chanukah” still visible on the roof amid the destruction. The interior of the car was completely gutted by fire, with multiple windows blown out.
The attack comes less than two weeks after a deadly terrorist shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, where 15 people celebrating Chanukah were killed — an event widely described as the deadliest attack on Australia’s Jewish community.
Community alarm and strong condemnation
Jewish leaders arrived at the scene early on Christmas morning, expressing deep alarm and warning that violence against Jews in Australia was escalating rapidly.
Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann from the ARK Centre in Hawthorn described the attack as “abhorrent” and “despicable”, warning that it felt like an “open season on Jews”.
“Eleven days ago we witnessed the worst terror attack in Australia’s history against the Jewish community,” Rabbi Kaltmann said.
“Bondi Beach is now soaked with Jewish blood.
Firebombs. Murders. Terrorism. It seems it is open season on Jews.”
He said the family had considered removing the Chanukah decoration from the car out of fear they might be targeted but chose to leave it up for the final days of the festival.
Liberal MP for Caulfield David Southwick said the Jewish community was exhausted and fearful following Bondi and now St Kilda East.
“The Jewish community is still in mourning,” he said. “We just can’t believe this has happened again.”
Mr Southwick said Victoria Police had assured him an arrest was forthcoming and that the person responsible had been identified.
Political reaction
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack in the strongest terms, describing it as “beyond comprehension” and warning that “evil” ideologies were present in Australian society.
“What sort of evil ideology would motivate someone to do this on Christmas morning?” the Prime Minister said.
“We have seen where unchecked hatred leads. We must root out anti-Semitism wherever it exists.”
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said she had been briefed by Victoria Police and acknowledged community fears that the incident was anti-Semitic in nature.
“This is not what any family, street, or community deserves to wake up to on Christmas Day in Australia,” she said.
“Police are treating this incident very seriously.”
Police investigation ongoing
Victoria Police confirmed emergency services were called to the Balaclava Road property about 2.50am after reports of a vehicle fire.
“A vehicle displaying a mobile billboard was deliberately set alight in the driveway of a residential property,” a police spokesperson said.
“Inquiries are ongoing, and investigators have identified a person who may be able to assist with the investigation.”
Crime scene technicians remained at the property throughout Thursday morning, collecting evidence as police tape cordoned off the area.
Chair of the Anti-Defamation Commission Dr Dvir Abramovich said the attack highlighted a disturbing trend.
“Another day, another anti-Semitic attack,” he said.
“This is what happens when hatred is allowed to spread — it doesn’t disappear, it looks for another outlet.”
