Australia is experiencing a troubling wave of antisemitic attacks, with authorities investigating possible ties to overseas actors paying local criminals to carry out these acts. The attacks have left the Jewish community on edge, particularly in cities like Sydney and Melbourne.

One of the most shocking incidents involved the destruction of Judith Lewis’ family café, Continental Kitchen, a kosher restaurant that had been a staple in Sydney for over 50 years. In late October, arsonists set the café ablaze, destroying a mezuzah—a sacred Jewish symbol—hanging at the entrance. Lewis has since relocated but admits she’s hesitant to display the new mezuzahs she purchased. “Something’s holding me back,” she shared.

These attacks aren’t isolated. Synagogues have been targeted, swastikas have been scrawled on buildings, and even a childcare center near a synagogue was recently torched. Police have made around a dozen arrests but believe there’s more to uncover. Authorities are probing whether some suspects were paid by “overseas actors” to carry out these crimes. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed that Australia’s Five Eyes security alliance is involved in the investigation.

Court documents reveal that some attackers may have been directed by a third party. In one case, a man who pleaded guilty to an arson attack claimed he was pressured due to drug debts and threats. Text messages recovered from his phone referenced a mysterious figure using the alias “jamesbond” on the encrypted app Signal.

Jewish leaders and community members are demanding stronger action. Lewis believes the attacks were orchestrated by someone higher up. “It’s definitely not the people doing it,” she said. “I’m really concerned about the higher-up level.”

While police are stepping up security at Jewish sites, some groups argue that more needs to be done to address underlying racism. Max Kaiser of the Jewish Council Australia emphasized that while a strong police response is necessary, education and community-building are equally important.

Despite the challenges, Lewis has found hope in the outpouring of support from her community. “Everyone wanted to help, and it was fantastic,” she said. Her café reopened just three weeks after the fire, a testament to the resilience of both her family and the wider Jewish community.