Attack on city synagogue concerning, says premier
A synagogue has been damaged after a car rammed into its front gates, prompting a police investigation.
Brisbane Synagogue
Police have charged a man after a car was used to ram the gates of a large city synagogue.
Officers say the Toyota Hilux utility knocked down the gates to the property, in Brisbane’s Margaret Street, shortly after 7pm on Friday.
The driver fled the scene before being taken into custody a short time later.
The Friday Shabbat service had concluded 30 minutes before the ramming. Vice-President of the QJBD Libby Burke told J-Wire that there was one person left in the building and was about to close the premises when the ute rammed the gates.
No one was injured during the incident.
Police said a 32-year-old Sunnybank man was expected to face Brisbane Magistrates Court on Saturday, charged with wilful damage, serious vilification or hate crime.
He is also accused of dangerously operating a vehicle and possessing dangerous drugs and the utensils for their use.
Jason Steinberg
Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies President Jason Steinberg said the incident was both confronting and deeply alarming.
“A synagogue is a sacred place – a space of prayer, reflection and community. To see its gates viciously rammed is profoundly distressing for our community, and should be of concern to all Queenslanders,” Mr Steinberg said
“Since 7 October 2023, we have witnessed a meteoric rise in antisemitism across Australia and here in Queensland. This latest attack could easily have resulted in serious injury or worse.”
Mr Steinberg said the attack underscored the urgent need for strong legislation to criminalise acts of hate that are directly targeting Jewish Queenslanders.
“This incident did not occur in isolation. Words matter. Hate-filled slogans and rhetoric do not exist in a vacuum – they create the environment in which violence becomes possible,”
Mr Steinberg said.
“Jewish Queenslanders should be able to attend synagogue and live their lives free from fear. There must be clear consequences for those who seek to intimidate, threaten or harm our community.”
Mr Steinberg thanked the Queensland Police Service for their swift response.
“We are grateful to the police for their prompt action and continued support. The safety and security of our community is paramount, and we appreciate the professionalism of officers who responded to this incident.”
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has described the alleged attack as concerning and says Jewish Australians would be feeling deeply distressed by the incident.
“I have spoken to Jewish leaders, as well as police, and I want to assure Queenslanders we are taking this seriously,” he wrote on social media.
“This is another signal as to why we have put strong laws before parliament to protect all people where they worship.”
“We are going through the process and I fully intend to have them passed during the next sitting of parliament.”
An inquiry into the proposed legislation has been told multiple stakeholders were not consulted before the bill was drafted.
Under the laws, Queensland’s attorney-general would have the power to outlaw phrases, the public uttering of which would be punishable by two years in prison.
Police say their investigation into Friday evening’s apparent attack are ongoing.
By: Allanah Sciberras/AAP with JWire
The Brisbane Synagogue is very beautiful. I hope the person found guilty is given a hefty sentence for his attempt to damage it. It’s up to the courts now to meet the challenge new hate laws make possible instead of going easy on those charged and found guilty.