Sydney’s oldest synagogue vandalized with banner reading ‘sanction Israel’

The Great Synagogue, the oldest in Sydney, Australia, was vandalized with a banner reading “sanction Israel,” the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies says in a post on X.

“Let’s be clear — targeting a synagogue is pure, unadulterated antisemitism which is intended to have a chilling and intimidating effect on members of the Synagogue and the Jewish community more broadly,” the organization says.

“Despicable conduct such as this is completely antithetical to our Australian way of life. Places of worship are sacred and should be places of safety, refuge and comfort.”

Today, another line was crossed when Sydney’s oldest synagogue – The Great Synagogue – was vandalised.

The Synagogue has continuously operated in its current location since 1878 as a testament to the vibrancy of Jewish life in Sydney and Australia.

Over the past nine months,… pic.twitter.com/eXHjYoT3de

— NSW Jewish Board of Deputies (@NSWJBD) July 14, 2024