A man has been charged after allegedly threatening a group of teenagers over an Israeli flag in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
Four teenagers were verbally threatened by a 23-year-old man on Bellevue Road in Bellevue Hill at 6.30pm on Monday after they displayed the flag across their car, police alleged.
Campbelltown man Abdullah Al-Taay has been charged with four counts of stalking/intimidating with intent to cause physical harm.
Al-Taay was today granted bail but banned from attending areas where Jewish people may congregate, as prosecutors feared he could pose a risk to the community.
Investigators tracked Al-Taay down after seeing social media footage of the incident, NSW Police confirmed.
Detective Superintendent Jodi Radmore said police had not received many reports of altercations but added the community was staying vigilant.
“We will continue to chase down these offenders who (issue) unnecessary threats of violence,” Radmore said.
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“If you are concerned, call us and we will assess the situation.”
NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley said “hatred of any kind has no place in our society”.
Catley alleged the altercation was an act of antisemitism.
“I commend the quick work of NSW Police who have charged a man in relation to a confronting alleged incident at Bellevue Hill earlier this week,” Catley said in a statement.
“We take all instances of antisemitism seriously and there is no place for any kind of hate in our society – not now and not ever.
“The Sydney Jewish community should never feel unsafe in their own city.
“Everyone should be able to conduct their business without fear.”
