Melbourne Synagogue Targeted Five Times by Masked E-Scooter Vandal

A synagogue in South Yarra, Melbourne, has been repeatedly targeted in a series of antisemitic graffiti attacks since March 2025. The suspect, described as a white, bald, medium-built man, was captured on CCTV arriving on a black e-scooter and was seen wearing a Ghostface mask from the movie Scream during his two most recent incidents in July. The graffiti included offensive phrases and pro-Palestine messages, prompting police to release footage to assist in identifying the individual. These attacks are part of a broader pattern of hate crimes against Melbourne synagogues following the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and subsequent military actions in Gaza. Relatedly, two Melbourne synagogues suffered firebombings and deliberate fire incidents, with suspects charged in those cases. Authorities have condemned the hate-fueled vandalism and urged the public to provide any information to help catch the perpetrator.