Man arrested after truck smashes into Brisbane synagogue gates video

A man has been charged with a hate crime after a vehicle rammed into the gates of the largest synagogue in Brisbane, in what authorities describe as the latest in a series of attacks targeting Australia’s Jewish community.

The incident comes amid growing concern among community leaders over what they say is a rise in antisemitic incidents across Australia, following multiple assaults against Jewish individuals and religious institutions.

In December, the country experienced its deadliest mass shooting in nearly three decades when two gunmen opened fire on families marking the first night of Hanukkah at Bondi Beach in Sydney, killing 15 people.

According to Queensland Police, cited by US media, a black pickup truck crashed through the gates of the Brisbane Synagogue on Friday evening before fleeing the scene. Officers later located the vehicle and detained a 32-year-old suspect. Police confirmed that no injuries were reported.

The man is scheduled to appear before the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Saturday, where he will face multiple charges, including wilful damage, serious vilification or hate crime, dangerous driving, and possession of a dangerous drug.

Authorities say several anti-Jewish incidents have been recorded in major Australian cities in recent years. Analysts link part of the tension to public anger surrounding Israel’s military campaign in the Gaza Strip, launched after the deadly October 7, 2023, attacks led by Hamas against Israel. The conflict has since resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths.

Israel’s government has repeatedly criticised Australian authorities, arguing that they have not done enough to curb antisemitic violence.

Earlier this month, a visit by Israeli President Isaac Herzog following the Bondi attack triggered protests in several Australian cities. Demonstrations included clashes between pro-Palestinian protesters and police outside Sydney Town Hall.

Following Friday’s incident, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli described the attack as “very concerning,” saying it would cause significant distress within the Jewish community.

“This will be very distressing for the Jewish community in Queensland,” he wrote in a social media post, adding that he had already spoken with community leaders and law enforcement officials.

“I want to assure Queenslanders we are taking this seriously,” the premier said.

By Tamilla Hasanova