Detectives in Melbourne are investigating a suspicious fire outside a local rabbi's house in St Kilda East about 2.50am on Christmas Day.
Police said no one was inside the car, which had a Hanukkah-related sign on its roof, but the occupants of the house were evacuated as a precaution.
Detectives have identified a person who might be able to assist with their inquiries.
The Jewish protection group CSG Victoria noted the presence on the car of the chanukiah symbol, a nine-branched candelabrum associated with Hanukkah celebrations.
It confirmed no community members had been hurt in the incident and it remained in close contact with police.
"CSG has already been operating at a heightened level with increased patrols and will continue to do so," the group said in an Instagram post.
The latest incident showed what life was like for Australian Jews when hatred was allowed to spread, Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dvir Abramovich said.
"If it is not mass murder of 15 people, it's the firebombing of a car," he said.
"It is a miracle no one was killed. We should not confuse luck with safety.
"This is the same sickness and evil moving forward and sending a message to the Jewish community: don't be visible, don't celebrate, don't exist openly."
Dr Abramovich pressed for a royal commission into anti-Semitism, echoing calls from other Jewish leaders and the opposition after the Bondi massacre, during which 15 people were killed by Islamic State-inspired gunmen targeting Hanukkah celebrations.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the apparent firebombing attack was "beyond comprehension", adding that all governments were working to root out anti-Semitism.
"What sort of evil ideology and thoughts at a time like this would motivate someone? We know that there is evil presence," he told reporters at a Christmas lunch event.
"Christmas is a time of hope. Hope over fear is what we need. Bravery over cowardice, kindness over violence and togetherness over anti-Semitism and hate."
State and federal governments have been under pressure to respond forcefully to anti-Semitism after the shootings at Bondi Beach, Australia's deadliest terror attack.
Federal Labor has flagged hate speech reforms and an overhaul of ministerial powers to cancel or reject visas for anyone sowing division or potentially inciting violence.
But the Albanese government has resisted pressure to call a royal commission after the Bondi massacre, instead backing a NSW inquiry and prioritising a quicker but more limited review of intelligence and law enforcement agencies.
The Victorian government has also promised a crackdown on hate crimes and plans to grant police the power to veto protests following designated terror attacks in a move that will move similar legislation rapidly introduced in NSW.
13°C