Sydney man charged over anti-semitic graffiti: Strike Force Pearl arrest Eastlakes man

A 41-year-old man has been charged over anti-Semitic hate messages that were sprayed on a Jewish school just as students were returning from the summer break.

The arrest and charges come as Strike Force Pearl intensifies its crackdown on anti-Semitic incidents, so far leading to 30 arrests and 151 charges.

Police were called to Mount Sinai College, a Jewish K-6 primary, preschool and early learning centre on January 30, following reports of anti-Semitic graffiti.

On arrival, they discovered anti-Semitic hate speech sprayed across a home adjacent to the school’s entrance.

Later in the day, police were also called to a home on Sparks Street in Eastlakes, again responding to anti-Semitic graffiti.

Officers believed the two incidents were linked, with police releasing an image taken from CCTV showing two people inside a car that was seen near both locations.

On Thursday, Strike Force Pearl swooped, making another arrest.

“Following extensive inquiries, about 8am yesterday (Thursday 20 March), strike force detectives arrested a 41-year-old man on Maloney Street, Eastlakes,” a NSW Police spokesperson said.

Police alleged they located “multiple prohibited drugs” on the man when they searched him.

The 41-year-old was taken to Mascot Police Station and charged with several damage, drug and driving offences.

The man was refused bail and is set to appear before the Downing Centre Local Court on Friday.

Following the graffiti discovery at Mount Sinai School, principal Noelene Bellingham sent a letter to parents saying 24/7 security would now used.

“I regret to inform you that last night our school was targeted by anti-Semitic graffiti,” she wrote.

“Police and security are both investigating the matter with additional steps now being taken to boost security 24/7.

“While these are challenging time, I want to reassure you that we are a strong community and we will get through this together.”