New development as police probe Sydney anti-Israel attack

NSW Police have released photos of a vehicle and have appealed to speak to the driver as part of an investigation after a car was torched and vehicles and buildings were sprayed with anti-Israel graffiti in Sydney’s eastern suburbs this week. The incident drew widespread condemnation after one car was set on fire at Woollahra early Thursday morning and a further 10 cars and three buildings were defaced. Police have estimated that the damage bill could be as high as $100,000. Police launched an investigation under Strike Force Mylor and earlier this week said two people were captured on CCTV fleeing the scene. They were described as having a slim build, wearing dark clothing, face masks, with one person wearing a Nike hooded jumper. On Saturday, police said they hoped to speak to the driver of a white Holden Captiva that may have been in the area at the time. Police are appealing for anyone with dashcam vision or information to come forward. The car was set alight on Wellington St, Woollahra shortly after midnight on Thursday and was put out by Fire and Rescue NSW. A ute and nine cars were targeted in graffiti attacks on Wellington, Tara, Fullerton and Ocean Streets. Cars were covered in white spray paint that read “f**k Israel”. Three buildings, including the Matt Moran-owned Chiswick restaurant, were also graffitied. In addition to anti-Israel slogans, cars were graffitied with a message reading “PKK coming”. The meaning of the message was unknown but would appear to be a reference to the Kurdistan Workers Party, which is considered by Australia to be a terrorist organisation. In a statement on X earlier this week, the Israeli Embassy said it was “appalled by the anti-Semitic attack”. “Words are no longer enough – it’s time for action,” the post said. “We stand with the Jewish community and call for immediate measures to protect and uphold the rights and safety of all citizens.” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the attack as “deeply troubling” and urged people not to make “a platform for prejudice at home”. “These are disturbing scenes and deeply troubling to all Australians,” Mr Albanese said. “There is no place for anti-Semitism in Australia. Conflict overseas cannot be made a platform for prejudice at home.” Anyone with information has been urged to contact Eastern Suburbs Police or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.