Suspects Identified After UTE Chase and Nazi Salutes Directed at Jewish Teens in Ripponlea
Police have identified two suspects after antisemitic abuse was allegedly hurled at a group of Jewish teenagers in Melbourne’s south on Monday night. Footage shared on social media shows five boys on the corner of Glen Eira Road and Hotham Street at Ripponlea just before 10 pm when a white ute approaches.
A spokesperson for Victoria Police said occupants of the vehicle allegedly yelled antisemitic abuse and stopped a short distance away. The teenagers ran across the road, before the ute did a U-turn and cut off other traffic to follow them down another street. CCTV footage posted online has no audio.
Chayim Klein, the father of one of the targeted teenage boys, said his son alleged those inside the car yelled 'Heil Hitler' and performed Nazi salutes. The vehicle continued to follow the children, Klein said, and one of the occupants allegedly threatened to stab them.
'They are all very shaken up,' he told the media. On Tuesday afternoon, police said detectives had identified two persons of interest and were following up 'a number of avenues of enquiry'.
'It’s believed the offenders are also likely to be linked to a series of offending in the area, including aggravated burglaries and vehicle theft,' the force said in a statement. 'There is absolutely no place in our society for antisemitic, racist, or hate-based behaviour, and such activity will not be tolerated.'
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan described the incident as hateful and antisemitic behaviour. She said police would investigate whether a banned salute had been used. 'We will be strengthening our anti-hate laws here in Victoria. We already have the strongest anti-hate laws in the nation,' she said.
'We will continue to do everything we can to make sure antisemitic and hateful behaviour has no place here in Victoria.' Klein added that he had urged his son not to change his behaviour. 'I’ve been asked this morning if I’ll change the way I’ll dress, and absolutely not. We’ve got to go about our life, we’ve got to go to school, and obviously be very aware of our surroundings, but we can’t cower,' he said.
'As I’ve told people that have reached out - which has been very touching - sort of asking how my son’s doing, it’s not about me, not about my son. It’s more about the Australian community. An attack on the Jewish child is an attack on any Australian.'
Anyone with more information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
