A man has been dramatically arrested by anti-terrorism cops following an alleged arson 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 earlier released CCTV of two hooded men seen outside the synagogue around 4.25am who they allege tried to set the synagogue on fire.
Officers swooped on a 33-year-old man after carrying out two search warrants in Camperdown on Tuesday night.
The heavily armed officers entered the property on Pyrmont Bridge Road using a battering ram and were assisted by the anti-terrorism squad.
The man 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.
The 33-year-old was the ninth person arrested in relation to the synagogue attack earlier this month.
A 33-year-old Camperdown man (centre) has been dramatically arrested by anti-terrorism cops following an alleged arson attack on a Sydney synagogue
Around 10 red swastikas were sprayed on the front walls of the Newtown Synagogue (pictured), on Georgina Street, in Sydney’s inner-west
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 temporary 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.’
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 33-year-old was the ninth person arrested in relation to the synagogue attack earlier this month
‘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.’
About 100,000 Jewish people live in Australia, with large congregations in Melbourne and Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
Anyone with information about the incident at the Newtown Synagogue has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
