1 month ago
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A group of Jewish teenagers has been targeted in a racial attack after a driver chased them on a main road in St Kilda East, allegedly yelling antisemitic slurs out of an open window.
In footage shared on social media by the Australian Jewish Association, the boys are seen on the corner of Glen Eira Road and Hotham Street in St Kilda East just before 10pm on Monday.
The white ute follows the group, allegedly yelling antisemitic slurs. Credit: Australian Jewish Association/Facebook
The video shows a white ute driving alongside them before stopping just ahead. The group runs across the road, before the ute does a U-turn and cuts off other traffic to follow them down another street. The footage has no audio.
The ute does a U-turn as the group are frantically crossing the road. Credit: Australian Jewish Association/Facebook
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In a statement, police said they were investigating a report of antisemitic behaviour.
“It is alleged the occupants of the vehicle yelled antisemitic abuse and stopped a short distance away,” police said.
“The victims ran across the road, the ute performed a U-turn and drove towards the victims. Fortunately, no one was injured, and the vehicle drove from the scene.
“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 said it was hateful, 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.”
Anyone with more information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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