A man who attempted to set fire to a house that was formerly owned by a Jewish community leader in Australia was sentenced Wednesday to five years in prison, in what authorities say was part of organized activity targeting the Jewish community in Sydney.
Nicholas James Alexander, 32, pleaded guilty to seven offenses related to arson and hate crimes. According to the ruling, between late 2024 and early 2025, Alexander was involved in a wave of antisemitic attacks that included arson against vehicles and an attempt to burn down a home previously owned by Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry.
Children's center next to Sydney school set on fire
(Video: From social media)
Judge Jennifer Atkinson ruled that Alexander’s actions were part of an organized campaign directed at the Jewish community in the city, which included arson attacks and the potential use of explosive materials. She said the activity was intended “to drive a wedge between the Arab and Jewish communities” in order to advance the aims of a large overseas crime group, which she said had directed Alexander.
According to the court, Alexander hired other individuals to carry out some of the acts, including an attempt to place incendiary devices at a childcare center, spraying 10 Nazi symbols on a synagogue, and setting cars on fire outside Ryvchin’s former home.
The judge said the sentence was intended to serve as “general deterrence” against similar crimes. She added that the attacks caused emotional harm to the Jewish community and to Australian society more broadly.
“Alexander knew that the offenses would create fear within the Jewish community and beyond,” she said.
Following the sentencing, Alex Ryvchin said the punishment was appropriate. He said the attacks contributed to an escalation of antisemitic incidents in the country.
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Alex Ryvchin, CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ)
(Photo: Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ))
“This man’s decision to target a childcare center and a family home caused people to fear for their lives and for the safety of their children,” he said. “His actions could easily have resulted in people being burned alive.”
Alexander was arrested as part of Strike Force Pearl, an investigative task force established in Australia to address a wave of serious antisemitic attacks and hate crimes. He was charged with 10 offenses in March last year, and pleaded guilty to seven of them in December 2025.