Men Charged After Allegedly Pointing Imitation Firearm At Sydney Synagogue

Two men have been charged after allegedly pointing an imitation firearm at a synagogue in Sydney’s eastern suburbs on Saturday, with police saying the incident occurred outside Chabad Double Bay during the Jewish Sabbath.

Police were called to Kiaora Road, Double Bay, at about 12.20pm following reports that occupants of a vehicle had pointed what appeared to be a handgun towards the building while worshippers were present outside.

Officers later located a Toyota SUV in Kings Cross and intercepted the vehicle. A search of the car led to the seizure of an imitation pistol, which police say was taken for forensic examination.

The two men, aged 22 and 25, were arrested and taken to Kings Cross Police Station before being moved to Surry Hills Police Station. They have since been charged and granted bail under strict conditions, including restrictions on entering Double Bay.

The 22-year-old, identified as Neils Baholet, was charged with using an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence, possessing an unauthorised pistol, and stalking offences. The 25-year-old, Merouan Meye, was charged with possessing an unauthorised pistol.

Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Peter Wertheim told the ABC that the incident involved worshippers attending Sabbath services. “It was a group of Jewish Australians who were doing nothing more than attending a Sabbath service as they do every week,” he said. He also said, “We’ve seen so many incidents in recent times involving acts of threats of violence directed at the Jewish community, so it no longer comes as a surprise.”

Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin said the incident was disturbing.

“This is what confronted Jewish Australians over the sabbath. Well done to the police for their swift action,” he said.

Both men are due to return to court later this month, with separate appearance dates scheduled for July 13 and July 22.