Australia - AFP anti-Semitism taskforce 'Avalite' established after synagogue attack

[OMF 3,675]

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12-09/afp-anti-semitism-taskforce-synagogue-attack/104702994?utm_source=abc_news_app&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_app&utm_content=link

Australian Federal Police taskforce Operation Avalite will be established to combat anti-Semitism following an arson attack on a synagogue in Melbourne that is now being investigated as a terror incident.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the taskforce was being stood up in response to three recent anti-Semitic attacks: the attack on the Abbas Israel synagogue in Ripponlea, an attack on Jewish Labor MP Josh Burns' electorate office, and an incident in Woollahra in Sydney where a car was torched and buildings vandalised with anti-Israel messages.

AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw said the taskforce would give police expanded powers to investigate the incidents.

"Special Operation Avalite will be an agile and experienced squad of counterterrorism investigators who will focus on threats, violence, and hatred towards the Australian Jewish community and parliamentarians," Commissioner Kershaw said.

"Our world-class agencies will provide all the support necessary to find the perpetrators and ensure they face the full force of the law," Mr Albanese said.