Brisbane City Council Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner says an attack on the city’s main synagogue overnight “is another reminder that members of the Jewish community continue to face hatred and intimidation simply because of who they are and what they believe”.
The Lord Mayor said the deliberate ramming of the place of worship that occurred shortly after Friday night Shabbat was “a shocking and deeply disturbing act”.
“Coming only months after the horrific attack in Bondi that left our nation grieving, this act feels even more confronting,” said Lord Mayor Schrinner.
“We know too well that hatred does not stay confined to angry words or online abuse. When left unchecked, it can escalate into real-world harm with devastating consequences.”
Brisbane’s civic leader said every Australian deserved to feel safe walking into their place of worship.
“Every family deserves to gather in peace. Right now, many in our Jewish community do not feel that sense of safety, and that is something we must confront honestly,” he said.
“Thankfully the police have already laid charges and the justice system will now run its course. But let me be clear: the actions of one individual do not define our city.
“Brisbane is a place where people from every faith and background live side by side with respect. An attack on any group is an attack on all of us. It strikes at the very values that make our community strong.
“Now is not the time for silence or complacency. It is a time to stand together, to reject extremism in all its forms, and to make it clear that hatred has no home here.
“We choose unity over division. We choose courage over fear. And we choose light over darkness.”
Queensland Police have charged a 32-year-old Sunnybank man over the attack. He is due to face Brisbane Magistrates Court today charged with wilful damage serious vilification or hate crime, dangerous operation of a vehicle, possession dangerous drugs and possess utensils or pipes etc for use.
Police say their initial investigations indicate that at around 7.16pm on Friday night, a black Toyota Hilux utility struck and knocked down the gates of a Margaret Street place of worship, before leaving the scene.
“Police located the vehicle a short time later and took the driver into custody without incident,” Queensland Police said in a statement.
“No one was injured during the incident.
“Anyone with further information or relevant vision is urged to contact police.
“Investigations continue, however, it is believed the man acted alone and there is no ongoing threat to the community,” Police said.
