Australia is investigating allegations that foreign funding is fuelling a rise in anti-Semitic crimes. Prime minister Anthony Albanese revealed suspicions that criminals-for-hire who lack ideological motives are being paid to commit these acts. The authorities are working to trace the sources of funding, whether domestic or international. Anti-Semitic incidents have surged since the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023. In Melbourne, arsonists firebombed a synagogue, while in Sydney, vandals targeted Jewish neighbourhoods and institutions, including a childcare centre. The police strike force tasked with investigating these crimes has doubled its manpower. Arrests have been made, and one man has been charged with attempting to burn down a synagogue in Sydney. The police are also investigating the involvement of young people in recent incidents, to see if they had been radicalised online.