Two men have been charged after cars were set alight and homes were vandalised in an alleged antisemitic attack last month. 33-year-old Adam Moule and 37-year-old Leon Sofilas also facing separate charges after a Newtown synagogue was vandalised.

Newtown

The recent arrest of Leon Sofilis and Adam Mool marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into a spate of firebombings and graffiti incidents. Both individuals were recently re-arrested while already being in custody. This time, they have been charged in connection with a firebombing attack that targeted several cars in Dover Heights, outside the former home of Alex Rivchin, a notable figure within the Jewish community. Additionally, they are implicated in a graffiti attack at Queen's Park. The motivation behind these attacks, whether driven by hate or financial gain, remains under investigation.

In a related event, Alex Rivchin participated in a television summit focusing on anti-Semitism, which saw the attendance of various political and community leaders. This summit underscored a unified effort to combat anti-Semitism in the country. Heightened security measures, including barricades, bag checks, and police sniffer dogs, were present at the event. While the Australian government has made clear its condemnation of hate against Jewish individuals, the summit was disrupted by heckling directed at the Attorney-General. Despite this, the Premier received a standing ovation.

As police continue to make arrests—13 individuals are currently in custody—it is hoped that the frequency of these attacks will diminish. However, Australia's top intelligence official remains wary, expressing concern that such attacks have not yet reached a plateau, suggesting a continued threat level.



Men charged over anti-semitic firebombing

The attack was terrifying. A masked figure pouring out a jerry can of fuel, which seconds later was set alight. The flames quickly spreading across the Dover Heights street to several cars parked outside the former home of Alex Rivchin, one of the Jewish community's most prominent voices. Red graffiti was sprayed across the garage. There is an evil at work in this country. This man police allege helped plan it. Leon Sofilis was already in jail on remand after being charged over another attack on a synagogue at Newtown. He was re-arrested yesterday along with his Newtown co-accused Adam Mool. Both have also been charged over this graffiti rampage at Queen's Park. The big question, were the perpetrators motivated by hate or by money? I've been briefed about it. Hopefully we can say more about the ultimate motive and ideology of it soon, but I can't do that today. Are there overseas actors? Again, I just can't speculate on it. Rivchin was today co-hosting a TV summit on anti-Semitism, attended by political and community leaders. To fight this scourge and have a united community behind our Jewish citizens. The arrests overnight are really important because we need to show to the people who are making these attacks that they will be caught. Unsurprisingly, the summit has come with tight security, barricades, bag searches, even police sniffer dogs. But the only disquiet was when the Attorney-General spoke. The Australian Government has expressly condemned words and acts of hate directed at Jewish people. He was heckled twice. The Premier was given a standing ovation. Police pointing out they've seen less attacks as they make more arrests. 13 currently in custody. A number of other investigations very close to resolution. Their optimism not shared by Australia's top spy. I'm concerned these attacks have not yet plateaued. Daniel Sutton for 10 News First.

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