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The Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) has expressed profound shock and outrage over the recent surge of antisemitic attacks in Australia, including an attack last night on the former home of a prominent Jewish community leader in Sydney. Two cars were set on fire, and the vehicles were defaced with anti-Jewish slogans.
“We are deeply disturbed by the alarming rise in antisemitic incidents in Sydney, Australia,” said Yigal Nisell, Chief Operating Officer of CAM and Director of Operations in Australia, where he lived for nearly seven years. “What began as verbal and physical assaults, vandalism of Jewish property, and the display of antisemitic symbols has escalated to the point of attempted murder. Yesterday, the former home of Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), was attacked, and his car was set on fire.”
“We are witnessing a significant increase in life-threatening antisemitic attacks, particularly in the past year,” Nisell. This is no longer just a series of isolated incidents but an ongoing, coordinated campaign of hate that must be confronted.”
The attack on Ryvchin’s home is part of a broader surge in antisemitism across Australia, with more than 100 incidents currently under investigation.
“I spoke with the community leader, my close friend, and I have never heard him so concerned,” Nisell added. “We urgently call on the Australian government, local authorities, and leaders from all sectors to take immediate, decisive action to protect the Jewish community and to enforce the law against these hateful acts.”
As International Holocaust Remembrance Day approaches, Nisell emphasized the importance of remembering that “Never Again” is not just a historical lesson but a moral commitment for every nation that upholds the values of freedom, equality, and human dignity.
“We stand in full solidarity with the Jewish community in Sydney and demand an immediate end to these violent and horrifying attacks,” he declared. “The time for action is now.”
In a statement after the incident, Ryvchin said, “I was born a Jew. My parents are Jewish. My wife is Jewish. My children are Jewish. It is the single greatest source of pride and strength in my life. Advocating for my people and my community these past 15 months [since October 7th] has been the highest privilege I can imagine, and I can tell you that no fire, no vandalism, no paint, no threats, no intimidation will stop me. I will continue to fulfill my duty to my country, my community, and my people.”
My message to those who seek to terrorise and silence us. pic.twitter.com/KOP2UAfRbI
— Alex Ryvchin (@AlexRyvchin) January 17, 2025
