Two men were arrested and charged Saturday after allegedly pointing what appeared to be a handgun at congregants gathered outside a Chabad synagogue in Sydney's Double Bay neighborhood following the conclusion of Shabbat services. Police said there is no ongoing threat to the community.
According to Australian media, the incident occurred around 12:10 p.m. as worshippers stood outside the synagogue on Kiaora Road after morning prayers had concluded. Police quickly located the suspects' vehicle, a Toyota SUV, and followed it to the nearby Kings Cross neighborhood, where they stopped the car and arrested the two men. A search of the vehicle turned up what was initially believed to be a firearm. Forensic examination later determined the object was an imitation pistol, essentially a water gun.
The two suspects, ages 22 and 25, were taken into custody for questioning and have since been charged with multiple offenses. The 22-year-old was charged with using an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offense, unauthorized possession of a pistol, and stalking or intimidation with intent to cause fear of physical harm. The 25-year-old was charged with unauthorized possession of a pistol. Police also took statements from congregants who witnessed the incident.
In a message to the community after Shabbat, Rabbi Yanky Berger identified the suspects as French nationals working as Uber Eats drivers and confirmed the charges. He said the imitation firearm had been pointed toward a security guard from the local Community Security Group, the volunteer organization that provides security for Sydney's Jewish institutions.
"I want to reassure everyone that our CSG security team and NSW Police responded quickly and professionally. There is no ongoing threat, and we will keep the community informed should there be any further updates," Rabbi Berger wrote.
Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, condemned the incident as disturbing, particularly given its timing. "Threatening and terrifying Jews for laughs. Well done to the police for their swift action," Ryvchin said.
The incident comes amid heightened security concerns for Australia's Jewish community. Double Bay sits near Bondi Beach, the site of a deadly antisemitic attack on a Chanukah gathering this past December that left 15 people dead.
