A car with a “Happy Chanukah” sign was firebombed in the early hours of Christmas morning, forcing the evacuation of a nearby home.
Police are investigating an apparently antisemitic attack in St Kilda East, after the silver sedan caught alight on Balaclava Road about 2.50am on Thursday.
The car had a “Happy Chanukah” sign on its roof.Credit: Nine News
No one was injured, but occupants of the house were evacuated as a precaution, police said.
“Moorabbin Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a suspicious fire in St Kilda East on Thursday, 25 December,” a spokesperson said. “Detectives have identified a person who may be able to assist with their investigation. Enquiries into the incident are ongoing.”
Community Security Group, a Jewish community safety organisation, said in a social media post that the car was firebombed.
“CSG Victoria advise that just after 03:00 this morning, a car with a Chanukiah on the roof was firebombed in St Kilda East,” it said.
No one was hurt in the fire. Credit: Nine News
“No community members were harmed. Victoria Police attended the scene and we remain in close contact with them.”
Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights, ended on December 22.
