A car displaying a "Happy Chanukah" sign was firebombed in St Kilda East, Melbourne, in the early hours of Christmas Day. This incident is being investigated as a suspected antisemitic attack, occurring shortly after a deadly terror attack on Jewish celebrants in Sydney.

Incident Details
Police reported that the vehicle was set ablaze in the driveway of a private residence. The fire occurred around 2:00 AM on December 25, coinciding with the Jewish holiday of Hanukah. Authorities are treating the act as a potential hate crime, given the timing and the message displayed on the car.

Context of the Attack
This firebombing follows a recent incident in Sydney, where a terror attack targeted individuals celebrating Hanukah at Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 fatalities. The proximity of these two events raises concerns about rising antisemitism in Australia, particularly during significant Jewish holidays.

Community Reaction
Local Jewish organizations have expressed alarm over the incident, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and protection for the Jewish community. Community leaders are calling for a unified response against hate crimes and are urging authorities to take decisive action to prevent further attacks.

Police Investigation
Investigators are currently seeking witnesses and any available surveillance footage from the area to identify the perpetrators. The police have urged anyone with information related to the incident to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in addressing hate crimes.

Wrap-up
The firebombing of the vehicle in St Kilda East highlights ongoing concerns about antisemitism in Australia, particularly in light of recent violent incidents targeting the Jewish community. Authorities are taking the matter seriously as they work to ensure the safety of all citizens during the holiday season.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team