Two arrested over mock drive-by shooting outside Sydney synagogue on Shabbat

— Arsen Ostrovsky (@Ostrov_A) July 4, 2026

Authorities charged the 22-year-old with using an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence, unauthorised possession of a pistol and stalking or intimidating with the intent to cause fear of physical harm. The 25-year-old faces a charge of unauthorised possession of a pistol.

Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, called the Shabbat incident disturbing and commended police for their swift response.

Security concerns remain high for the country’s Jewish community following last December’s deadly terror shooting at a Bondi Beach Chanukah gathering, prompting Canberra to respond to the surge in antisemitism with a Royal Commission and legislative action.