Swastika Etched at Sydney Jewish Shop Sparks Police Investigation

A swastika was discovered etched into the window of Lox in a Box, a Jewish bagel and sandwich shop located on Oxford Street in Paddington, Sydney. The incident, reported as malicious damage, occurred on Saturday, March 21, 2026, but was only discovered by the shop's owner, Candy Berger, when she removed protective coverings from the windows prior to the shop's opening on April 9. The police have initiated an investigation into the vandalism.

The Guardian

This incident is part of a troubling trend of antisemitic acts in Sydney, particularly following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent conflict in Gaza. The atmosphere of hostility has led to significant concerns within the Jewish community. For instance, Avner’s bakery in Surry Hills permanently closed after facing ongoing antisemitic harassment, citing safety concerns for staff and customers. The message displayed at the bakery highlighted the increasing difficulty of maintaining public Jewish spaces in Australia.

The Guardian

In response to the vandalism at Lox in a Box, Candy Berger expressed her shock and sorrow, reflecting on her heritage as the granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor. She emphasized the emotional impact of the symbol, stating, “I stood there in shock, thinking about what that symbol represents.” Berger also acknowledged the support from local police and the Community Security Group, a Jewish organization, in addressing the incident. She remarked on the timing of the vandalism, suggesting it was “calculated” as the Jewish community prepares for Passover, a significant period of remembrance.

The Guardian

Despite the distressing event, Berger conveyed a message of resilience, stating, “We will not let this break us. We will not let it close our doors or dim the light of something we’ve worked so hard to build.” This sentiment reflects a broader determination within the Jewish community in Sydney to continue their cultural and communal activities in the face of rising antisemitism.

The Guardian

While the police investigation is ongoing, there have been no reports of arrests or suspects identified in connection with the vandalism at Lox in a Box. Additionally, the broader implications of this incident on community safety and the Jewish presence in Sydney remain to be fully assessed.

The Guardian

• “I stood there in shock, thinking about what that symbol represents.” — Candy Berger, Owner of Lox in a Box

The Guardian

• “We will not let this break us,” — Candy Berger, Owner of Lox in a Box

The Guardian

• “In the wake of the pogrom at Bondi one thing has become clear – it is no longer possible to make outwardly, publicly, proudly Jewish places and events safe in Australia,” — Message from Avner’s Bakery

The Guardian