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A man responsible for orchestrating a night of anti-Semitic chaos has been sentenced to prison for his actions but is set to be released on parole in a matter of weeks.
In an aggressive spree lasting just 41 minutes, ten cars were defaced, two set ablaze, and four buildings vandalized in Woollahra—a central hub for Australia’s Jewish community—during the early hours of November 20, 2024.
Mohommed Farhat and Thomas Stojanovski, both 21 years old, were apprehended following the terrifying events that unfolded in the eastern suburbs of Sydney.
Magistrate Scott Nash handed Farhat a prison term of one year and eight months, including a non-parole period of ten months, during a court session yesterday afternoon.
Having already served some time in custody, Farhat is scheduled for parole release on December 6.
Farhat took the lead during the anti-Semitic spate of attacks, calling an Uber using his own account to get home.
Police used this information during their investigation to uncover who was behind the vandalism, arson and graffiti.
“F— Israel” and “PKK coming” – referencing the terror-designated Kurdistan Workers’ Party – were among the slurs emblazoned across the cars and buildings.
Multiple slurs also misspelled the word “f—“
Farhat, who pleaded guilty in September to a suite of charges including property destruction, did the vast majority of the damage.
Stojanovski assisted him by shining a torch or holding a suitcase containing the jerry cans purchased earlier in the night.
CCTV also showed Farhat buying fuel, a lighter and a box of tissues at a service station before driving to Woollahra.
A Ford Ranger valued at more than $80,000 was graffitied and then set alight by the two men, with the subsequent fire causing an adjacent car to have its rear lights and electrics melted.
Woollahra Fire Station was also targeted in the attack with “PKK coming” sprayed on a side wall, along with two outdoor tables in the courtyard of a nearby restaurant and the walls of two apartment blocks.
The restaurant, Chiswick, is operated by famed chef Matt Moran.
Farhat was also ordered to pay a total of $5324 in compensation to five residents whose cars he vandalised.
There is no indication in the agreed facts of the case as to why the two men carried out the attack.
But the NSW Supreme Court previously heard Farhat might have neck and throat tattoos in support of terrorist group Hezbollah.
The vandalism was among a spate of anti-Semitic incidents in Sydney, including an arson attempt on a synagogue and the targeting of a prominent Jewish leader’s former home.
Iran orchestrated at least two anti-Semitic attacks in Australia at a similar time, Australia’s national security service ASIO said in August.
Stojanovski remains out on bail awaiting his sentence on Friday.