Sydney’s Great Synagogue targeted by protesters

Sydney's oldest synagogue, The Great Synagogue, was the target of anti-Israel protesters on Sunday. The demonstrators displayed Palestinian flags and unfurled a banner reading "Sanction Israel" across the front entrance of the synagogue.

The Great Synagogue is situated in the city's central business district, opposite Hyde Park where weekly pro-Palestinian protests are held. It is unclear if the demonstration in front of the synagogue was linked to the Hyde Park protest held on Sunday.  

Jewish communities are increasingly targets for anti-Israel attacks. A few days before the Sydney incident, a memorial to Anne Frank in an Amsterdam park near the family's home was desecrated with the word "Gaza" sprayed on it in red paint.

The targeting of the Synagogue received widespread condemnation from Jewish leaders, Australian politicians and international supporters.

“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. 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," the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies said in a statement.

"If you have so far remained silent, now is the time to speak up."

Alex Ryvchin, Co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, said the anti-Israel demonstration had the effect of "intimidating and denigrating Jews".