A Jewish leader denounced the act which coincided on the 100-day anniversary of Hamas capturing 250 Israeli hostages.
A Jewish leader has denounced an act of vandalism seen outside a well-known community centre, as Australia’s Jewish community gathers to mark the 100 days since Hamas’ attack on Israel.
On Sunday morning, as organisers were preparing for a community bike ride to commemorate the day, management at Caulfied’s Beth Weizmann Jewish Community Centre found the front wall had been graffitied with the word: “Genocide,” alongside a picture of the Palestinian flag.
The building, which is owned by Zionism Victoria, also houses several Jewish peak bodies, including the Australasian Union of Jewish Students, the United Jewish Education Board, and the Lamm Jewish Library.
Israeli supporters gather at Mallanbool Reserve to mark 100 days since the devastating hostage crisis. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Diego Fedele
Zionism Victoria executive director Zeddy Lawrence said it created “a shadow” over a planned community event that was supposed to give worshippers a chance to grieve, and stand in solidarity.
“It really tarnished the day,” he said.
“It’s particularly hurtful when you’re calling for hostages to be released. This current crisis in the Middle East has been precipitated by the terrorist atrocities of October 7 and the seizing of those hostages.”
Zionism Victoria executive director Zeddy Lawrence said the rally was well-attended. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Diego Fedele
On Sunday, more than 500 members of Australia’s Jewish community undertook a 20km and 40km bike ride across Melbourne, before a 1000 people gathered at Mallanbool Reserve for a rally.
The event coincided with similar initiatives held across the world, including another bike ride held in Sydney, which called for the return of the 130 hostages who remain held by Hamas since the October 7 ambush.
Mr Lawrence said the hostages needed to be returned by Hamas. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Diego Fedele
Mr Lawrence described it was a “very emotional event” but said it was “appreciated by those who came along.