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Police in Melbourne, Australia, have arrested and charged a 37-year-old man for repeatedly vandalizing a synagogue, often while wearing a “Ghostface” mask from the horror film Scream.
Victoria Police arrested the South Yarra resident for six attacks on the Melbourne Hebrew Congregation this year. The incidents occurred on March 11, June 21, June 22, July 22, July 30, and August 19.
The suspect rode a motorized scooter to the synagogue and sprayed antisemitic graffiti on its walls.
Multiple Charges Filed
Authorities filed six counts each of criminal damage and offensive graffiti. They also charged him with five counts each of using an unregistered motor vehicle and driving without a license. He faces an additional charge for failing to stop when ordered by police.
He was released on bail and will appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on November 21.
Pattern of Attacks Against Melbourne Synagogues
The case comes amid a surge of antisemitism in Australia since Hamas’ October 7th massacre in Israel. Melbourne synagogues have faced repeated incidents, including graffiti and arson.
On July 8, arsonists set fire to the entrance of the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation. Police arrested four suspects, including Angelo Loras. Loras faces charges of arson, possession of a controlled weapon, and endangering life and serious injury.
Prosecutors also charged another man last week for his role in the December 2024 arson of the Adass Israel synagogue in Ripponlea. That attack injured two people and caused severe damage to the historic building. Two others were already in custody — one accused of carrying out the firebombing and another of transporting the perpetrators.
Jewish Leaders Warn of Escalating Threat
Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) President Daniel Aghion welcomed the latest arrest but warned of a broader trend.
“This is welcome news for our community, especially after another spate of serious antisemitic incidents in Melbourne in July,” he said.
The synagogue attacks reveal a growing threat to Australia’s Jews, as antisemitic hatred erupts into violence and intimidation.
In response to the proliferation of Jew-hatred in Australia, the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) will co-host the 2025 Australian Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism in Gold Coast on Sept. 3-5. With nearly 300 mayors, municipal officials, community activists, and other guests from across Australia expected to attend, the summit will provide practical tools, data, and partnership opportunities to effectively combat antisemitism and strengthen social cohesion at the local level.
