https://mothership.sg/2025/11/incidents-jewish-community-shanmugam/
He highlighted an incident in late October 2025 in which a Singaporean Chinese man wearing a cap with a patch resembling the Israeli flag was reportedly assaulted by a Malay man.
Multiple incidents targeting Jewish community in S'pore reported: Shanmugam
"All Singaporeans and all communities in Singapore, whatever our feelings towards Palestine or Israel, must feel safe and respected here," he said.
November 06, 2025, 07:15 PM
There had been several unpleasant incidents and hostilities against members of the Jewish community in Singapore, said K Shanmugam, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs.
Speaking at a doorstop on the sidelines of a closed-door event with the Jewish community at the Chesed-El Synagogue on Nov. 6, he said that there are "worrying developments on the ground" including anti-Israel vandalism at international schools and verbal attacks on Jewish individuals.
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He also highlighted that all Singaporeans and all communities in Singapore "must feel safe and respected" despite different sentiments towards Palestine or Israel.
"Followers of any faith who wear visible markers of their religion should never be made to feel targeted"
Shanmugam said that toilets in some international schools in Singapore, which have Jewish students, were reportedly vandalised with anti-Israel remarks in September 2025.
In October 2025, a member of the Jewish community wearing a kippah, a Jewish skullcap, had encountered a passing motorist who shouted "Free Palestine" at him while he was walking to the synagogue at Waterloo Street.
"Followers of any faith who wear visible markers of their religion should never be made to feel targeted based on their religion," Shanmugam said.
He noted that these "negative experiences" have also extended beyond the Jewish community to other Singaporeans.
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He highlighted an incident in late October 2025 in which a Singaporean Chinese man wearing a cap with a patch resembling the Israeli flag was reportedly assaulted by a Malay man.
Police investigations are ongoing to determine the man's motive.
Shanmugam said that "there can be explanations", noting that typical after investigations, such people actually have mental issues.
"But it's a worrying trend nevertheless," he added.
Shanmugam also said that in a separate feedback in late October 2025, a Catholic member of the public reported through a government feedback channel that a couple that he was speaking with had "condemned her in the name of God" for "not doing anything for Palestinians".
Shanmugam also highlighted that at the same time, there have also been more Islamophobic expressions in Singapore, including graffiti in public toilets in late 2024 with expressions suggesting that "Malays support Hamas".
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He said that the authorities take such incidents seriously, and will also investigate and take action accordingly.
"Acts of anti-Semitism will not be tolerated in Singapore"
On whether he is concerned about the incidents, Shanmugam noted that the "situation" overseas is "more serious".
He said while there have been "terror attacks" or "acts of violence" against the Jewish and Muslim communities, the situation is "very much under control".
He highlighted that the authorities take action when such incidents happen.
"All of this calms the situation down. And I would say, nips it in the bud. I mean, we don't wait for these things to develop."
Shanmugam reiterated that "all our communities, regardless of race and religion, have the right to feel safe in Singapore and regardless, regardless of the size of their communities, their places of worship, we cannot make them into fortresses."
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He added: "But at the same time, Singaporeans of all faiths should be able to go about their lives feeling safe and secure. That's really part of the cohesive and harmonious society that has taken us decades to build."
He also said that "acts of anti-Semitism will not be tolerated in Singapore".
"Here in Singapore, our laws and norms reflect a very simple principle, everyone, regardless of race or religion, must be treated fairly. They must be allowed to practice their religion freely. They must be protected from discrimination, harassment and violence. And all Singaporeans and all communities in Singapore, whatever our feelings towards Palestine or Israel, must feel safe and respected here."
Top photo by Mothership
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