A second man has been arrested by anti-terrorism police following an alleged attack on a Sydney synagogue.
Up to 10 red swastikas were sprayed on the front walls of the Newtown Synagogue, on Georgina Street, in Sydney’s inner-west, in the early hours of January 11.
Police had released CCTV of two hooded men outside the synagogue around 4.25am who they allege tried to set the religious building on fire.
On Thursday, a 37-year-old man was arrested at a hotel on Pyrmont Bridge Road.
He was tasered during the operation and subsequently assessed by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Day Street Police Station.
In dramatic footage of the arrest, the man – wearing only grey trackpants and socks – is seen bent over double while being escorted by officers.
This follows the arrest of a 33-year-old man in connection with the incident as officers executed two search warrants in Camperdown on Tuesday night.
Thursday’s arrest saw heavily armed officers enter the property using a battering ram, assisted by the anti-terrorism squad.
In dramatic footage of the arrest, the man – wearing only grey trackpants and socks – is seen bent over double while being escorted by officers (pictured)
The man was tasered during the operation and was taken to Day Street Police Station
The suspect was taken to hospital under police guard but was later released and charged with property damage offences, possessing suspected stolen goods, and cultivating an illegal plant.
He was refused bail and will appear in court on Wednesday.
NSW Premier Chris Minns condemned the incident in Newtown just hours after the vandalism was discovered.
‘These people are determined to divide our community in two. We will always call out these acts for what they are – monstrous and appalling,’ Mr Minns said.
The Premier also announced the extension of a one-off grant of $340,000 towards enhanced security measures for the NSW Jewish community.
Chairman of the Anti-Defamation Commission Dr Dvir Abramovich told Daily Mail Australia the graffiti on the Newtown Synagogue was a ‘gut-punch’ to Jewish Australians.
Dr Abramovich described the vandalism as ‘grotesque’.
‘In just a matter of days, two synagogues – sacred places meant for reflection and peace – have been defiled in acts of unparalleled malice, he said.
‘These aren’t mere incidents of vandalism; they are calculated assaults drenched in symbolism meant to intimidate and sow terror.’
Police earlier released CCTV of two hooded men seen outside the synagogue around 4.25am who they allege tried to set the synagogue on fire.
A 33-year-old Camperdown man (centre) was arrested On Tuesday by anti-terrorism cops following an alleged arson attack on a Sydney synagogue
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also condemned the incident and called for those who committed the act ‘should face the full force of the law’.
‘The vile graffiti we’ve seen overnight, including at the Newtown Synagogue, is abhorrent and needs to stop immediately,’ Mr Albanese wrote.
‘We made it illegal to use Nazi and other hate symbols because there’s no place in Australia for antisemitism.’
A total of nine people have been charged in connection with various incidents of arson and vandalism targeting the Jewish community.
Four men, aged 31, 37, 40, and 26, have been charged in relation to fires at two businesses in Bondi during October 2024.
Three men, aged 20, 19, and 21, have been charged following the alleged deliberate damage of 10 vehicles and buildings in Woollahra in November 2024.
A 34-year-old woman has been charged after vehicles and buildings were allegedly damaged in Woollahra in December 2024.
Most recently, a 33-year-old man has been charged in connection with the alleged graffiti and attempted arson of a building in Newtown.
Anyone with information about the incident at the Newtown Synagogue has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
