Childcare centre torched, graffitied with antisemitic message in 'evil hate crime'
Share and Follow

A childcare centre in Sydney’s east has been set alight and an antisemitic message has been left on its walls in an attack Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called an “evil hate crime”.

Police are investigating after the centre was set alight and graffitied just after 1am.

Fire crews were called to the centre on Storey Street in Maroubra to find the ground floor well involved in fire, along with “offensive graffiti” spray painted on an outside wall, according to police.

Offensive graffiti was also located spray painted on an external wall. (Nine)
Fire and Rescue NSW attended and found the ground floor well alight. (Nine)

Police said the building was significantly damaged and confirmed the centre was unoccupied at the time.

A crime scene has been established and an investigation is underway into the circumstances surrounding the fire.

Albanese has since condemned the incident.

“My government will support NSW Police to hunt down the offenders and ensure they face the full force of the law through Operation Avalite,” he said.

A man removes paint from a security camera from a home on Military Road at the scene of an antisemitic attack in Dover Heights NSW. January 17, 2025.
A man removes paint from a security camera from a home on Military Road at the scene of an antisemitic attack in Dover Heights NSW. January 17, 2025. (Kate Geraghty)

The home in Dover Heights used to belong to Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry and a prominent figure in the Jewish community.

Multiple cars were sprayed with graffiti, two set on fire and a home, formerly owned by a prominent figure in the Jewish community, splashed with red paint.

Ryvchin is a prominent figure in Australia’s Jewish community and has been a vocal figurehead for peace in Sydney since the Hamas attack on Israel in October 7, 2023.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make an online report.
Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Woman who moved to London from New Zealand says Brits shouldn't complain about housing - and reveals biggest culture shocks

From Kiwi to Cockney: Surprising Culture Shocks and Housing Realities for a New Zealander in London

<!– In a significant tech update, Omniture, Inc., now part of Adobe,…

Historic Milestone: Aboriginal Flag Set to Soar on Futuristic Space Mission

Back in 1992, the late Malcolm Douglas, renowned for his wildlife documentaries…

Coalition Faces Uncertainty After Second Split: Is This a Turning Point?

Once again, the Coalition finds itself at odds, this time due to…
Beaches set to reopen in time for long weekend after shark attacks

Beaches Ready to Reopen for Long Weekend Following Shark Attack Safety Measures

Several popular beaches remain closed today, including Bronte, Maroubra, and Cronulla beaches,…

Shocking Developments: Fifth Suspect Charged in Sydney’s Alleged Satanic Child Abuse Scandal

A fifth individual has been formally charged and is set to appear…
Iranian students in Australia facing 'darkest days' as economy hits record low

Iranian Students in Australia Struggle as Economic Crisis Deepens

Exclusive: Ongoing turmoil in Iran has had a ripple effect on Iranian…
Up to NINE people remain unaccounted for including children after major landslide at busy campsite

Search Intensifies for Missing Campers, Including Children, After Devastating Landslide Strikes Popular Campsite

Authorities have issued a warning that the effort to locate up to…
President Donald Trump and The White House TikTok account.

Last-Minute Save: TikTok Strikes Crucial Deal to Dodge US Ban in Trump Era Showdown

TikTok has successfully secured a deal just in the nick of time…