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Police Hunt Person of Interest After Hanukkah-Sign Car Firebombed in St Kilda East

The incident has heightened concern in Melbourne’s Jewish community following the Bondi Beach massacre.

Overview

  • Emergency services found the vehicle ablaze about 2:50am on Christmas Day in a Balaclava Road driveway, with residents evacuated and no injuries reported.
  • Victoria Police are treating the blaze as a suspicious fire and say they have identified someone who may be able to assist their investigation.
  • Detectives are reviewing surveillance and forensic evidence as they work to establish motive, including whether the attack was hate‑motivated.
  • Community Security Group Victoria says patrols are increased and coordination with police continues, urging residents to remain vigilant and report information.
  • Leaders including Rabbi Effy Block and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack, with authorities appealing for witnesses and dashcam or CCTV footage via Crime Stoppers.