Christmas bombing sees rabbi and young family evacuated from home

The car had a “Happy Chanukah” sign on its roof. (Image: Nine News)

A rabbi and his young family were forced to flee their home after their car was firebombed in a pre-dawn attack on Christmas morning. 

The family's silver sedan was torched in the driveway of the religious leader’s home about 2.50am, in St Kilda East, Australia.

The religious leader and his young family were evacuated from their Balaclava Road home, in the heart of Melbourne's Jewish community, by police as flames tore through the vehicle. The car, parked in the driveway of the family home, bore a “Happy Chanukah” sign on its roof.

No one was hurt in the attack.

Victoria Police have launched an investigation into the firebombing, which has sent shockwaves through the community as Australia remains on edge following the Bondi Beach terror attack on December 14, when two gunmen allegedly opened fire into crowds at a Chanukah celebration. Chanukah ended on December 22.

No one was hurt in the attack. (Image: Nine News)

The burnt out car was removed from the driveway of the Balaclava Road home on Thursday morning, reports The Age, with the home located across the road from a well-known Jewish school. Although the vehicle had been towed away, shattered glass was left scattered across the driveway on Christmas morning. 

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told The Express: "Australia’s Jewish community is in mourning after the Bondi terrorist attack. The firebombing of a car in Melbourne is another terrible act of suspected antisemitism. Federal authorities stand ready to assist."

The Aussie PM added: "There is no place in Australia for this kind of hatred and it has to stop."

Local MP and Member for Macnamara Joshua Burns has also been approached for comment.