A Frum man who was physically and verbally attacked by a group of footballers last Simchas Torah has filed a historic complaint against Victoria Police with the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC).

Menachem Vorchheimer, who suffered antisemitic abuse and an assault that left him with facial injuries as he walked to shul on Simchas Torah, has claimed that an off-duty police officer who was present during the attack, and by extension his employer, authorised and assisted the racial vilification against him.

The off-duty officer was driving the minibus carrying around 20 players from Ocean Grove Football Club when at least one of the passengers yelled antisemitic abuse at Vorchheimer.

Vorchheimer approached the bus for an apology, but had his hat and Yarmulka taken from his head by another player. Both men have reportedly admitted their part in the incident. However, police have not identified a third player, who allegedly struck Vorchheimer across the face.

It is believed to be the first HREOC complaint of its kind against the Victoria Police.

The off-duty officer is currently also under investigation by the police’s Ethical Standards Department (ESD), which will determine whether his attempts to move the bus from the scene constituted responsible conduct.

AJN