Newtown synagogue: Day after Albanese convenes anti-Semitic national cabinet, NSW police announce arrest
The morning after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese convened a national cabinet to tackle a growing wave of anti-Semitic crimes in Australia, NSW police have announced they have made another arrest after an attack in Newtown.
A 33-year-old man has been charged after he allegedly tried to set fire to the Newtown synagogue earlier this month.
Detectives attached to Strike Force Pearl arrested the man after search warrants were executed at two addresses on Pyrmont Bridge Road, Camperdown on Tuesday night.
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The man was initially taken to St Vincent’s Hospital under police guard, but on release was taken to Surry Hills Police Station where he was charged with destroying property in company using fire, destroy/damage property in company, goods in personal custody suspected being stolen, and cultivate prohibited plant.
During the search, police also seized a number of items which have been taken for further examination.
He has been refused bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday, making him the ninth person to be charged under Strike Force Pearl.
The charges relate to an alleged attempt to set the building on Georgina Street alight and also allegedly spraying offensive graffiti was also allegedly sprayed on the building.
Strike Force Pearl detectives were assisted by officers attached to the terrorism investigation squad, security investigation unit, public order and riot squad, along with officers from Inner west police area command and Leichhardt police area command.
Strike Force Pearl was established in December 2024 by officers attached to the counter terrorism and special tactics command – with support provided by central metropolitan region – to investigate hate crimes with an antisemitic focus across Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.
A total of nine people have now been charged under Strike Force Pearl:
- Four men – aged 31, 27, 40 and 26 – have been charged following fires at two businesses in Bondi in October 2024
- Three men – aged 20,19 and 21 – have been charged after 10 vehicles and buildings were allegedly deliberately damaged in Woollahra in November 2024
- A woman – aged 34 – has been charged after vehicles and buildings were allegedly deliberately damaged in Woollahra in December 2024
- A 33-year-old man has now been charged after a building in Newtown was allegedly graffitied and attempted to be set alight.
Inquiries continue. Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.
