Authorities are delving into separate cases of alleged Islamophobia and anti-Semitism reported in Melbourne this week. The incidents, which have sparked outrage and concern across communities, include the torching of a truck belonging to a Palestinian-Australian man and the display of an anti-Semitic banner during a protest.
Truck Fire in Newport Raises Hate Crime Fears
A truck adorned with Palestinian flags was set ablaze early Monday morning outside a residence in Newport, a suburb in Melbourne’s inner-west. The Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV) has condemned the act, labeling it a potential “Islamophobic and anti-Palestinian hate crime.”
The incident allegedly involved a Molotov cocktail, and a witness reported hearing Islamophobic slurs shortly before the fire was discovered. The truck’s owner, Ehab Elhila, managed to extinguish the flames before they caused significant damage.
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Elhila, a longtime Melbourne resident and vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause, described the event as traumatic for his family, particularly his young children. “It was shocking for them to wake up to this. My family is anxious and scared,” he shared. Elhila, who has lived in Australia for 40 years, expressed dismay at witnessing such an event in his otherwise quiet and supportive neighborhood.
Calls for Action by Islamic Leaders
The Islamic Council of Victoria expressed profound concern over the attack and criticized the lack of a public statement from law enforcement addressing the incident. ICV spokesperson Adel Salman called for greater transparency and a more robust response from authorities.
In response, Victoria Police affirmed that the case is being handled by experienced detectives and remains in its early stages. Additional patrols have been deployed to the area, and investigators are exploring potential links to another fire incident reported nearby on the same night.
Witness Details Disturbing Behavior
A local resident, identified only as Hamish, recounted hearing Islamophobic abuse directed at his rideshare driver in the moments leading up to the truck fire. He described the suspect as yelling, “Torch them, torch them all,” before disappearing into the night. Hamish later noticed the flames and alerted emergency services, helping to prevent further damage.
While the truck’s Palestinian flags remain intact, Elhila revealed that he removed a similar flag from his home window at his wife’s request, citing safety concerns. Despite the fear, he remains resolute. “I’ve had the Aboriginal and Palestinian flags on my truck for over a year. I won’t take them down,” he stated.
Anti-Semitic Demonstration at Parliament House
In a separate incident, a group of approximately 20 protesters gathered on the steps of Melbourne’s Parliament House on Friday evening, displaying an anti-Semitic sign. Police were called to the scene following public complaints, but the protesters dispersed before further actions could be taken.
Victoria Police strongly condemned the display, reiterating their commitment to combating hate-driven behavior. “We will not tolerate any form of anti-Semitic or racially motivated actions in our society,” a spokesperson emphasized.
Authorities are urging anyone with information or footage related to either incident to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers.