A Jewish family’s Adelaide home has been defaced with Nazi symbols and antisemitic abuse in an attack condemned by South Australian police and political leaders.
Police were notified shortly before 7.40am on Saturday, 11 July, after offensive symbols and language were found at the Camden Park property of Rosti Sverdlov. Officers also found damage to a vehicle parked at the home.
CCTV from a neighbouring property showed a dark-coloured sedan arriving about 4am before two people got out and approached the house.
Police want to identify and speak to the pair and have appealed for their associates or anyone with information to come forward.
SA Police said the motive remained unclear, although the use of the symbols appeared to be connected to the occupants being Jewish.
“There is no place in South Australia for antisemitism, hatred or discrimination of any kind, and we unequivocally condemn it,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Scott Fitzgerald said.
“We understand incidents of antisemitism can leave communities feeling targeted, threatened and vulnerable.”
Sverdlov said he found the graffiti after stepping outside to walk his dog.
He told the ABC that he and his family had never concealed their Jewish identity.
“I am Jewish; I have seven kids. We never cover up that we are Jewish,” he said.
Sverdlov told 7NEWS that the offenders sprayed his doorbell camera, painted messages across the fence and entry and slashed tyres on the family’s vehicles.
“After 7 October, we expect everything, but not to target myself, not to target my kids,” he said.
He said neighbours and friends had offered to remove the graffiti, but he wanted it to remain temporarily so the public could see that a family home, rather than a Jewish institution, had been targeted.
“I want everyone to see because it’s a fierce target to family, not public Jewish institutions,” he told the ABC.
Sverdlov said the attack had frightened his family but insisted he would not be intimidated.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Fitzgerald said police would increase patrols near the property to help the family feel safe.
Acting Premier Kyam Maher described the attack as “incredibly disappointing” and said he hoped those responsible were caught and had “the book thrown at them”.
South Australian laws banning the public display of Nazi symbols and the Nazi salute carry maximum penalties of 12 months in jail or a $20,000 fine.
Police are also investigating offensive material reported near the Moana boat ramp at 9.30am on Sunday.
Investigators said that material appeared to be old and the incident did not appear to be linked to the attack at Camden Park.
Anyone with information has been asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.