UPDATE: Two men have just pleaded guilty to their involvement in a shocking anti-Semitic arson and vandalism spree in Woollahra, Sydney, causing over $100,000 in damage. Mohommed Farhat and Thomas Stojanovski faced Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court today, revealing disturbing details of their late-night rampage that targeted vehicles and properties in a neighborhood with a significant Jewish community.
The crime spree unfolded on November 21, 2022, when the duo set a $86,000 Ford Ranger ablaze and vandalized numerous cars and buildings, including celebrity chef Matt Moran’s Chiswick restaurant, which was defaced with antisemitic slogans such as “F**k Israel.” Emergency services responded just after midnight, arriving to find flames soaring up to 3 meters high.
Court documents reveal that the two men meticulously planned their attack, with Farhat purchasing fuel and a lighter at a local petrol station before targeting the Jewish community. They donned dark clothing and attempted to conceal their identities while capturing some of their actions on CCTV.
Witnesses reported that the fire was initially small but quickly engulfed the vehicle, prompting one of the men to exclaim “s***” as they fled the scene. Following the arson, they abandoned the burning vehicle and took an Uber to Farhat’s home in Beverly Hills.
The aftermath of the attack has left local residents and businesses reeling. The Woollahra Council has launched clean-up efforts, while vehicle owners face the financial burden of restoring their defaced property. This incident has sparked outrage within the community, highlighting the urgent need for increased vigilance against hate crimes.
Both Farhat and Stojanovski, who were arrested days apart, face multiple charges, including destroying property using fire. They are scheduled to return to court in November 2023 for sentencing.
This developing story underscores the alarming nature of hate crimes and their impact on communities. Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident, raising questions about the motivations behind such blatant acts of vandalism and violence.
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds, and as the community grapples with the consequences of these heinous acts.
