Police name man sought over firebombing of rabbi’s car in St Kilda East
Police are searching for a homeless man believed to have been involved in an arson attack on a rabbi’s car decorated for Hanukkah.
The rabbi’s silver sedan – complete with a menorah and a sign reading “Happy Hanukkah” – was set on fire on Balaclava Road in St Kilda East around 2.50am on Christmas Day. Police said no one was injured in the incident, but the rabbi’s family was evacuated from their home as a precaution.
Detectives identified 47-year-old John Argento on Friday morning as “an individual who may assist with their investigation” and appealed for him to contact police.
A police spokesman said: “Argento is known to the police and has an outstanding arrest warrant for deception-related offences.”
“Detectives believe Argento lives a transient lifestyle. He is known to frequent Melbourne’s inner southern and northern suburbs.”
Police are investigating the attack on a targeted basis, but Deputy Commissioner Chris Gilbert said police did not believe Argento posed an ongoing threat to the Jewish community.
“We understand the devastating impact this type of crime has on our Jewish community and continue to prioritize this investigation. We will not fully understand this arsonist’s motive until we have them in custody,” Gilbert said.
“At this stage we do not believe there is a wider threat to the Jewish community. We would like to thank people in the area for their assistance to this investigation so far.”
Incendiary bombing occurred 11 days after two gunmen targeted the Hanukkah festival Killed 15 people at Bondi Beach. Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights, ended on December 22.
Jewish leaders on Thursday described the St Kilda East attack as antisemitic and said it was “open season on Jews”.
“Bondi Beach is now soaked in Jewish blood. Is this what we expect here in Melbourne?” said Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann.
St Kilda Chabad rabbi Effy Block, who was carrying the same menorah on her car, said the burning vehicle belonged to a friend.
“It’s traumatizing. They’re coming from the Bondi massacre. They saw fire outside, they ran away from the house. It was very traumatic for them mentally,” he said.
“It was an anti-Semitic attack because they saw the menorah.”
Prime Minister Jacinta Allan said on Thursday afternoon that a firebombing was not something any family deserved to wake up to on Christmas Day.
“This little car was driving around town spreading Hanukkah and holiday cheer. I even saw one go by while I was in Caulfield on Monday afternoon,” he told X.
Police will patrol the area and the burned car will be subjected to forensic analysis by an arson chemist.
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Angus Delaney is a reporter for The Age. Email him at angus.delaney@theage.com.au or contact him securely on Signal at Angusdelaney.31.Connect via email.
