In the early hours of Christmas morning in Melbourne’s St Kilda East suburb, a car adorned with a “Happy Chanukah” sign and a symbolic Chanukiah was deliberately firebombed in what authorities are treating as a suspected antisemitic attack.

The vehicle, owned by a local rabbi, was parked in the driveway of his home when it was engulfed in flames around 2:50 a.m., prompting neighbours to alert emergency services.

No one was inside the car at the time, and the rabbi’s wife and children were evacuated safely from the house as a precaution.

Police have identified a person who may assist with their ongoing investigation and are appealing to the public for information as inquiries continue.

The Jewish Community Security Group Victoria, which notified the community shortly after the incident, confirmed that no community members were harmed and stressed the importance of vigilance amid a period of increased security patrols.

The firebombing comes just days after a deadly terror shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach in Sydney that claimed multiple lives and has heightened concern about antisemitic violence across Australia.

Jewish leaders have condemned the Melbourne incident as part of a worrying pattern of hate-related attacks, even as federal and state officials reaffirm commitments to safeguard all religious communities.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued statements deploring the act and reaffirming that there is no place for hatred or violence in Australia.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances and motive behind the attack while working closely with community representatives to ensure ongoing safety.

The destroyed car, a visible expression of Hanukkah goodwill, now underscores deep concerns about the welfare and security of Jewish Australians during the holiday season and beyond.