Chanukah Decorated Car Firebombed in Melbourne

A car displaying Chanukah decorations has been targeted in a firebombing this morning in St Kilda East, in Melbourne, Australia, the Herald Sun reported, in what appears to be an antisemitic attack.

Footage from Thursday morning shows police tape draped across the Balaclava Rd property with a crime scene technician taking photos of the burnt out-car.

On its roof was a sign reading Happy Chanukah.

The grey Mazda CX8 could be seen completely destroyed on the inside with multiple windows blown out.

The Community Security Group notified the Jewish community of the firebombing just after 9am and urged people to be vigilant.

“CSG Victoria advises that just after 3.00 this morning, a car with a Chanukiah on the roof was firebombed in St Kilda East,” an alert read.

“No community members were harmed.

“Victoria Police attended the scene and we remain in close contact with them.

“CSG has already been operating at a heightened level with increased patrols, and will continue to do so.

“We urge the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour by calling our (hotline) 24/7.”

Police said they were investigating the arson and had already identified someone who could “assist” in the case.

“No one was inside the car at the time of the incident. The occupants of the house were evacuated as a precaution.

“Detectives have identified a person who may be able to assist with their investigation.

Enquiries into the incident are ongoing.”

A neighbour told the Herald Sun the family who lived at the property were “lovely” and had three or four kids — with the youngest just “a few months old”.

Another told the Herald Sun it was clearly a targeted antiSemitic attack.

“There are so many cars on the street and they went after this one. It’s obvious why,” they said.