Police name man sought over firebombing of rabbi’s car in St Kilda East

2 months ago 15

Police are searching for a homeless man they believe is involved in a Christmas arson attack against a rabbi’s car that was decorated for Hanukkah.

The rabbi’s silver sedan – topped with a menorah and a sign saying “Happy Chanukah” – was set alight on Balaclava Road, St Kilda East about 2.50am on Christmas Day. No one was injured, but the rabbi’s family was evacuated from their home as a precaution, police said.

Detectives on Friday morning identified 47-year-old John Argento as “a person who may be able to assist with their investigation” and are appealing for him to contact police.

“Argento is known to police and has an outstanding arrest warrant relating to deception related offending,” a police spokesperson said.

“Detectives believe Argento lives a transient lifestyle. He is known to frequent Melbourne’s inner southern and northern suburbs.”

Police are investigating the attack as targeted, but Assistant Commissioner Chris Gilbert said police believe Argento does not pose an ongoing threat to the Jewish community.

Police are searching for John Argento in relation to the car fire on Christmas morning

“We understand the devastating impact this type of offence has on our Jewish community, and we are continuing to prioritise this investigation. We won’t fully understand the motives of this arsonist until we get them into custody,” Gilbert said.

“At this stage, we do not believe there is a broader threat to the Jewish community. We want to thank people in the area for their assistance in this investigation so far.”

The firebombing occurred 11 days after two gunmen targeted a Hanukkah festival at Bondi Beach, and killed 15 people. Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights, ended on December 22.

Firefighters at the scene of the firebombing in Balaclava Road, St Kilda East.

On Thursday, Jewish leaders called the St Kilda East attack antisemitic and that it was “open season on Jews”.

“Bondi Beach is now soaked in Jewish blood. Is that what we are waiting for here ... in Melbourne?” said rabbi Gabi Kaltmann.

St Kilda Chabad rabbi Effy Block, who has the same menorah on top of his car, said the burnt-out vehicle belonged to a friend.

“It’s traumatising. They are coming off the Bondi massacre. They saw fire outside – they ran out of the house. Mentally, it was very traumatising for them,” he said.

“It was an antisemitic attack because they saw the menorah.”

Police outside a Jewish school in St Kilda East earlier this month.

Premier Jacinta Allan said on Thursday afternoon that the firebombing was not what any family deserved to wake up to on Christmas Day.

“This little car has been driving around town spreading the Hanukkah and holiday cheer. I even saw one drive past when I was in Caulfield on Monday afternoon,” she said in a statement on X.

Police will patrol the area, and the burnt car will undergo forensic analysis by an arson chemist.

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