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Jewish teens chased off road by vehicle in Melbourne as occupants ‘performed Nazi salutes’
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned the ‘antisemitic hate incident’
January 20, 2026 12:27
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned the ‘antisemitic hate incident’
January 20, 2026 12:27Five Jewish boys in Melbourne were pursued by a utility vehicle as its occupants allegedly chanted Nazi slogans at them in what Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned as an “antisemitic hate incident”.
The suspects are said to have performed Nazi salutes and shouted “heil Hitler” as they chased the group, who were making their way home from school on Monday evening.
Part of the alleged incident was captured on CCTV and appears to show the group of visibly Jewish boys, who are all aged 15 or 16, standing on the pavement at an intersection when a white utility vehicle drives past before performing a U-turn to drive towards three of them as they cross the road. The boys only narrowly escape being struck by the vehicle as they run to reach the pavement.
CCTV has captured the terrifying moment Jewish teenagers ran for safety as a ute driver performed Nazi salutes and chased them through Melbourne streets. Read the full story: https://t.co/m1RLUTXi1e pic.twitter.com/1md9owEIz7
The alleged incident occurred in the Melbourne suburb of St Kilda East.
Chayim Klein, a prominent community leader in the area and the father of one of the teenagers, told Australian media that the boys do not carry mobile phones so had to run to a payphone to call the emergency services, and were put on hold. They were forced to hang up before being connected with the police as they ran from the alleged assailants, he said.
The men in the vehicle threatened to come back the following day and “stab” the boys, Mr Klein told Australian broadcaster ABC.
"They're little children. Yes, they're 16 but they're not exposed to this. They're good boys. They're in school, they study, they learn hard. They're not used to that kind of behaviour or intimidation," Mr Klein said.
"They put up with a lot and have put with a lot but this is a new level," he added.
Local police say they have identified and are searching for the two men they believe were in the vehicle, which was stolen, and who they suspect are responsible for the "terrible" and "prolonged" attack. They linked the men to a series of aggravated burglaries and car thefts in the area.
Albanese condemned the “antisemitic hate incident”, saying he wanted to see the offenders face “the full force of the law”.
“This would have been a terrifying ordeal for these young Australians, targeted for their Jewish faith,” he said.
“At a time when Australians are joining with the Jewish community in sorrow and solidarity, it is beyond disgusting to see these cowards shouting Nazi slogans at young people.
“Victorian Police are investigating and I want to see the perpetrators face the full force of the law.”
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