Heightened Security for Jewish Students in Sydney After Foiled Antisemitic Attack
January 31, 2025
12:50 PM
Reading time: 4 minutes

Jewish students in Sydney returned to school on Friday amid a visible increase in security, following a series of recent antisemitic incidents. Just days earlier, police thwarted a planned attack involving a trailer filled with explosives, potentially set to target the city's Jewish community. The discovery of this plot, which could have caused devastating casualties, highlights the rising concern over antisemitism in Australia.
In recent months, a disturbing wave of antisemitic attacks has unfolded in Sydney, alarming the local Jewish population. Early Thursday morning, antisemitic graffiti was sprayed at three locations, including Mount Sinai College, further adding to the already alarming trend. These attacks are part of a larger pattern, with nearly a dozen incidents in the city, many of which appear to be coordinated.
With the heightened threat, the Jewish community in Sydney has taken extra precautions. On Friday, students returned to school after the summer break, greeted by an increased police presence and private security stationed outside the building. Gina Ferrer, a parent, expressed her gratitude, saying, "We're really grateful that the police are here and protecting us."
The rising tide of antisemitism has spurred local officials to take action. Matt Thistlethwaite, a federal lawmaker representing an area with a large Jewish population, has worked with local police to increase patrols and ensure community safety. However, these acts of violence have left many questioning their place in Australia. Some Jewish individuals have even resorted to removing visible signs of their faith, such as skull caps and mezuzahs, out of fear for their safety.
The situation has become more dire as attacks on synagogues, Jewish schools, and private property continue to escalate following the Israel-Hamas conflict. This has prompted Jewish individuals to hire security for private events and rethink the risks associated with public displays of their faith. Security expert Stephen Vogel reported a noticeable increase in demand for security services, as concerns over safety continue to grow.
As antisemitic violence surges, the Jewish community in Sydney remains resilient, but many are increasingly anxious about the future. Australia's government, under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, faces mounting pressure to address this issue as the country approaches re-election.