An alleged terrorist attack targeting a Jewish synagogue has been thwarted by law enforcement. Australian police announced they identified an explosive-laden vehicle—described as a caravan (a camper)—in the Dural suburb of Syndey in New South Wales on January 19. The caravan, which was full of explosives, is suspected of being intended for use as a massive bomb to kill Jewish worshipers.
“That caravan contained an amount of explosives and some indication that those explosives might be used in some form of antisemitic attack,” said New South Wales Deputy Police Commissioner David Hudson during a news conference. He emphasized that officials believe the threat was neutralized and that there is no ongoing danger to the area’s Jewish community.
While arrests have been made, Hudson did not reveal the number of individuals detained, their backgrounds, or the specific charges filed. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns—roughly equivalent to a U.S. state governor—stated that over 100 officers are involved in the inquiry under a coordinated effort between state and federal police. Minns characterized the incident as a potential mass casualty event, defining it unequivocally as terrorism.
In recent months, Australia has experienced a series of antisemitic incidents, with synagogues, properties, and vehicles targeted, notably since the escalation of Israel’s war against the Hamas terror group following the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks on Israel. The increase in such incidents has led to criticism of left-wing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s administration as a general election looms before May.
Christians have also been targeted by Islamists in Australia, with Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel and Father Isaac Royel being stabbed by a 16-year-old jihadist in the middle of a live-streamed church service in Sydney last year.
