Arabic version: مالك منزل في أديلايد يرفض إزالة كتابات معادية للسامية
A Camden Park homeowner has left antisemitic graffiti visible on his fence and front door to show his family was targeted.
According to ABC News, police allege CCTV from a neighbouring property captured a dark-coloured sedan arriving at the house in the early hours of Saturday, with two people getting out and approaching the home. South Australia Police said they want to speak to those people and asked the public to contact Crime Stoppers with any information.
Property owner Rosti Sverdlov told reporters he discovered Nazi symbols and offensive language sprayed on his Camden Park home and does not want to clean it up because he wants the public to see his family was deliberately targeted. Sverdlov said he is Jewish, has seven children, and that neighbours had offered to help clean the fence but he did not want to cover the markings. He said he wanted the attackers to know he “wasn’t afraid.” The ABC has chosen not to publish the offensive wording found on the property.
Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Scott Fitzgerald said the use of the symbols and messaging appears to be because the occupants are Jewish and that there is no place in South Australia for antisemitism. Fitzgerald said publishing prohibited symbols is an offence, but that police would work with the victims on handling the graffiti. He also told the media police had been made aware of a separate report of offensive material near the boat ramp in Moana but that the damage there appeared to be older and did not seem to be linked to the Camden Park incident. Fitzgerald added there was no evidence of a rise in antisemitic attacks in South Australia and that police would increase patrols to help make the occupants feel safe.
The matter has drawn comment from Acting Premier Kyam Maher, who said he hoped the perpetrators would face the full force of the law. Maher noted state legislation enacted in recent years bans the use of the Nazi symbol and salute, carrying penalties of up to 12 months’ jail or a $20,000 fine.
What happens next: Police want to speak to the two people seen on the CCTV and are asking anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Related sections: Australia/استراليا | South Australia | General | Social/إجتماعية
