Jewish teenagers targeted in St Kilda East ute attack

Just three days before the National Day of Mourning for the victims of last month’s antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, a group of Jewish teenage boys were targeted with an antisemitic attack by the occupants of a white ute.

The incident took place on the corner of Glen Eira Road and Hotham Street in St Kilda East about 9.50pm on Monday night. The occupants of the ute reportedly screamed “Heil Hitler” at the boys, gave Nazi salutes and threatened to stab the boys. The ute followed the boys and narrowly missed hitting one of the boys after the vehicle did a U-turn too closely to follow them. The vehicle drove at them, forcing them to run and hide for safety.

The incident took place very near the Adass Israel Synagogue that was destroyed in an Iranian-sponsored firebombing in late 2024.

Naomi Levin, CEO of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV), said, “The boys were outside a Jewish community and education centre.”

“Police are investigating this disgraceful, antisemitic act.”

“The perpetrators must be arrested and face the new, stronger anti-vilification laws.

The shocking scenes were addressed in federal parliament as government members gathered to debate proposed anti-hate laws. Josh Burns, the Labor Member for Macnamara, the electorate where the incident occurred, told the House that antisemitism has no place in Australia.

“The fact of the matter is that even late last night, a bunch of Jewish kids in my electorate, who were dressed in religious Jewish garb, were chased down the street and screamed at just for being who they are.” He argued that the recent events in the area underscored the urgent need for stronger anti-vilification protections currently before the parliament.

“No one should suffer vilification, no one should suffer hate, and no one should suffer incitement,” Burns concluded.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “The antisemitic hate incident last night in St Kilda targeting young Jewish boys has no place in our country.

This would have been a terrifying ordeal for these young Australians, targeted for their Jewish faith.

At a time when Australians are joining with the Jewish community in sorrow and solidarity, it is beyond disgusting to see these cowards shouting Nazi slogans at young people.

Victorian Police are investigating and I want to see the perpetrators face the full force of the law.”

Rabbi Daniel Rabin, Senior Rabbi at Caulfield Hebrew Congregation, said, “I hope police catch those responsible and make it clear, publicly and unequivocally, that this behaviour is criminal and will not be tolerated. It was intimidation and violence narrowly avoided.”

“This is not acceptable in Melbourne, and it is not acceptable in Australia. If mourning is meant to mean anything, it has to confront what is still happening, right now.”

ADC Chair, Dr Dvir Abramovich, called the incident “deeply distressing.”

Victoria Police have identified two suspects in the incident and have issued a statement, saying “It’s believed the offenders are also likely to be linked to a series of offending in the area, including aggravated burglaries and vehicle theft.”

“The investigation remains ongoing, and police are urging anyone with CCTV or dash-cam footage of the incident or the vehicle in the area to come forward.”

“There is absolutely no place in our society for antisemitic, racist or hate-based behaviour and such activity will not be tolerated.”