Firebombing of Rabbi's Car in Melbourne: A Suspected Antisemitic Attack

In the early hours of Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, a car displaying a "Happy Chanukah" sign was firebombed in St Kilda East, Melbourne. The incident occurred around 2:50 AM while the vehicle was parked in the driveway of a rabbi's home. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the rabbi's family was evacuated as a precautionary measure.

Mirror - UKABC News AustraliaThe Sydney Morning Herald

This firebombing follows a recent terror attack at Bondi Beach, Sydney, where two gunmen opened fire during a Chanukah celebration, resulting in 15 fatalities. The Jewish community in Australia has expressed heightened concern over safety, particularly in light of these two incidents occurring within a short timeframe. Naomi Levin, CEO of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria, remarked that the Australian Jewish community remains "on edge," reflecting ongoing fears of antisemitic violence.

The Guardian

Victoria Police are treating the firebombing as a suspicious incident and have identified a person who may assist in their investigation. The Community Security Group (CSG) Victoria has increased patrols in response to the attack and urged community members to remain vigilant. Rabbi Effy Block from Chabad of St Kilda confirmed that the affected family was safe but condemned the attack as "another shocking antisemitic attack on the Jewish community."

Chanukah Decorated Car Firebombed in Melbourne

The firebombing has raised alarms within the local Jewish community, which constitutes a significant portion of St Kilda East's population. According to the 2021 census, 27.9% of residents in the area identify as Jewish. Daniel Aghion, president of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, stated that while the incident is concerning, it is believed to be isolated, and the Melbourne Jewish community is not at further risk.

The Guardian

Local residents described the family as "lovely" and noted the targeted nature of the attack, given the presence of many other vehicles in the vicinity. One neighbor commented, "It’s obvious why they went after this one," highlighting the antisemitic motivations behind the act.

Chanukah Decorated Car Firebombed in Melbourne

Authorities have urged anyone with information regarding the firebombing to contact Crime Stoppers. The police investigation is ongoing, and community leaders continue to monitor the situation closely.

Chanukah Decorated Car Firebombed in Melbourne

• “This is a continuation of the daily fear the Jewish community has had to live in for the past two years, and even more so after Bondi,” — Naomi Levin, CEO of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria

The Guardian

• “They are OK but the car is destroyed,” — Rabbi Effy Block, Chabad of St Kilda

ABC News Australia

• “The ECAJ understands that the firebombing in Melbourne this morning is an isolated incident, and that the Melbourne Jewish community is not at further risk.” — Daniel Aghion, President of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry

The Guardian

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the Jewish community in Australia, particularly in the wake of recent violent acts targeting their celebrations and symbols.

The Guardian