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Chanukah-Sign Car Firebombed in Melbourne as Police Seek Person of Interest

Investigators are reviewing surveillance video to assess a possible antisemitic motive.

Overview

  • The blaze broke out about 2:50 a.m. on Balaclava Road in St Kilda East, destroying a vehicle fitted with a roof sign reading “Happy Chanukah.”
  • No injuries were reported, and occupants of the nearby home were evacuated as a precaution while a crime scene was established.
  • Victoria Police say they have identified a person who may assist with inquiries and have appealed for dashcam or CCTV footage through Crime Stoppers.
  • Community Security Group Victoria reported heightened patrols and urged vigilance, saying no community members were harmed.
  • Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Victorian leaders condemned the attack, as Jewish community figures linked rising fear to the Bondi Beach massacre earlier this month.