NSW Premier Chris Minns condemned a recent anti-Semitic attack in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, where cars were set on fire and properties were vandalised with anti-Israel graffiti.

Emergency services received reports of a car fire on Magney Street in Woollahra early Wednesday morning. Fire & Rescue NSW extinguished the fire, but multiple cars and buildings suffered vandalism.

Graffiti with messages like “Kill Israel” was found on walls. A crime scene has been established, and an investigation is underway. Police are looking to speak with two suspects aged 15 to 20, who were in the area at the time of the incident.

It’s just out of control!

Days after firebombing of Synagogue in Melbourne, now more #antisemitism in #Australia, this time in my former hometown of Sydney, with cars set alight and multiple homes vandalised with anti-Israel graffiti, in the strongly Jewish suburb of Woollahra. pic.twitter.com/gCdCrlSlXU

— Arsen Ostrovsky ️ (@Ostrov_A) December 10, 2024

Minns described the attack as “shocking” and stated, “This is not the Sydney we want.” He emphasized that such racist acts aimed at dividing the community would not succeed.

He plans to consult with police about the investigation, assuring the public that those responsible will face justice.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park also denounced the incident, calling it offensive and concerning.

It follows a similar act of vandalism in November, where cars were spray-painted with phrases like “f**k Israel.” Various buildings, including the Chiswick restaurant, were also targeted in that incident.

A 26-year-old man, Luigi Mangione, is fighting extradition to New York to face murder charges for the shooting of UnitedHealth executive Brian Thompson.

Mangione was arrested in Pennsylvania after a five-day manhunt and denied bail for the second time.

During a court appearance, he made a statement directed at reporters, though its meaning was unclear.

Legal experts believe Mangione’s fight against extradition could prolong the process, but success is unlikely.

Authorities are investigating whether he acted alone or had assistance leading up to the shooting.

Mangione was recognized at a McDonald’s by an employee and was found with a firearm, clothing, and fake IDs matching the shooter’s description.

Weapon possession

He has been charged with gun and forgery offenses in Pennsylvania, in addition to murder and weapon possession charges in New York.

Investigators are still determining the motive behind Thompson’s targeted killing. It was revealed that Mangione had chronic back pain and previously worked as a data engineer.

His family expressed shock and devastation over his arrest and offered condolences to Thompson’s family.

Thompson, a father of two, had been the CEO of UnitedHealth’s insurance unit since 2021 and was in New York for a company event. The incident has heightened frustrations concerning healthcare access and insurance issues in the U.S.

Rupert Murdoch’s attempt to change the family trust to consolidate control under his son Lachlan has been rejected by a Nevada commissioner.

The ruling, made by Commissioner Edmund J. Gorman Jr., stated that Murdoch and Lachlan acted in “bad faith” while trying to amend the irrevocable trust, which divides control equally among Murdoch’s four oldest children.

The 96-page opinion characterised the plan as a “carefully crafted charade” intended to secure Lachlan’s executive roles unconditionally.

Murdoch’s lawyer expressed disappointment and plans to appeal the ruling.

FILE PHOTO: Media mogul Rupert Murdoch poses for a photograph with his sons Lachlan and James in London.

Media empire

This dispute is critical as it affects the future control of Murdoch’s media empire, which includes Fox News and other major outlets.

While the intention was not to diminish financial stakes, the ruling reflects deep family tensions, especially given differing political views among the siblings.

The commissioner noted Lachlan initiated the proposed changes, created a plan dubbed “Project Family Harmony,” and labeled James as a “troublesome beneficiary.”

Despite Lachlan and Rupert’s efforts, the attempt to marginalise James was deemed insufficiently justified by the court.

Murdoch’s family trust, established in 2006, retains his control until his death, and includes provisions allowing amendments.

However, the commissioner found that Murdoch and Lachlan’s actions were not supporting their siblings’ best interests.

The ruling is not final and may be contested further in court.