South Australia’s Jewish community has condemned an antisemitic attack on an Adelaide home after offensive graffiti and Nazi symbols were painted across the property’s front door and fence.
The vandalism occurred at Rosti Sverdlov’s Camden Park residence on Saturday morning. CCTV footage from a neighbouring property reportedly captured a dark-coloured sedan arriving outside the home before two people got out and approached the property.
The Jewish Community Council of South Australia described the attack as cowardly and unacceptable. Council president Annetay Henderson-Sapir said every Australian should be able to feel safe inside their own home and thanked South Australia Police for quickly launching an investigation.
Mr Sverdlov has decided to leave the offensive graffiti visible for the time being. He said he wanted the wider public to see what had happened to his family rather than immediately removing the evidence of the targeted attack.
Jewish community advocate Shai Wittles said the incident had caused fear and shock among local Jewish residents. However, they stressed that the community would not allow hateful behaviour to make people feel unwelcome or force them to hide their identity.
Wittles encouraged Australians to challenge antisemitism and other forms of discrimination whenever they encounter them. They warned that comments or jokes that appear minor can contribute to a wider culture of intolerance when they are ignored.
The attack occurred as the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion continued hearings in Melbourne. Jewish university students and staff were among those giving evidence about their experiences of antisemitism and concerns about personal safety.
Acting South Australian Premier Kyam Maher said police were investigating two people connected to the incident. He said deliberately targeting a person with antisemitic hatred had no place in South Australia’s multicultural community.
Maher also noted that displaying or using Nazi symbols is now a specific criminal offence in South Australia and said he hoped those responsible would be identified and prosecuted.
SA Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Scott Fitzgerald confirmed investigators wanted to speak with the two people seen approaching the house after arriving in the sedan. Police have asked anyone who recognises them, witnessed suspicious activity or has relevant footage to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
