Antisemitic attack on Adelaide home 'un-Australian', Jewish group says

The Jewish Community Council of South Australia has strongly condemned the vandalism of a family's home in Adelaide, labeling the antisemitic attack as "un-Australian." Rosti Sverdlov's Camden Park home was defaced with hateful messages and symbols on Saturday morning.

“

This shocking, cowardly act of damaging a family's home and spreading antisemitic vitriol is unacceptable and un-Australian.

Annetay Henderson-Sapir, president of the council, stated that the incident was a "shocking, cowardly act" and unacceptable. She emphasized that every Australian deserves to live safely and peacefully, and that hateful actions will not be allowed to rule their lives. Henderson-Sapir commended the South Australia Police for their prompt investigation and their unequivocal stance against antisemitism.

“

Every Australian deserves to live safely and in peace in their home.

Advocate Shai Wittles described the incident as leaving the Jewish community in "a lot of shock" and "a lot of fear." Wittles, a member of Adelaide's Jewish community, offered a message of solidarity, asserting their presence and belonging in Australia. They urged other Australians to actively challenge all forms of discrimination and to show loud, outspoken allyship, particularly when Jewish people face attacks. Wittles stressed that while incidents like this are scary, they do not define the overall experience of safety and pride in their identity.

“

We will not allow hateful actions or fear rule our lives.

Jewish university staff and students recently gave evidence at the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion. Wittles noted that while events like the Bondi terror attack have been frightening, it remains crucial for the community to stay connected, remain loud and proud, and continue to be visible. They believe that connection is key to safety and that most Australians are accepting and loving.

“

It’s never an easy thing. At the same time, there’s almost a sense of detachment that you force yourself into.