Man is named as person of interest after rabbi's car firebombed on Christmas Day
A 47-year-old man has been named as a person of interest by police after a rabbi's car was firebombed as his driveway as his family lay inside sleeping on Christmas Day.
- John Argento, 47, named as person of interest
- READ MORE: Antisemitic firebombing rocks Melbourne
By NICHOLAS COMINO, NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA
Published: 01:14 GMT, 26 December 2025 | Updated: 12:57 GMT, 27 December 2025
A 47-year-old man has been named as a person of interest after a rabbi's car was allegedly targeted in an arson attack on Christmas Day.
John Argento has been urged to come forward as Victoria Police continue to investigate the alleged firebombing in Melbourne's south-east.
The rabbi's family were forced to flee their home when a 'Happy Chanukah' sign on their car suddenly erupted into flames.
Emergency services raced to the home on Balaclava Road in St Kilda East, the heart of the city's Jewish community, about 2.50am.
Firefighters evacuated the family inside the home as a precaution while they worked to bring the blaze under control.
Police confirmed nobody was injured.
Argento, who has an outstanding warrant for deception-related offences, is known to police and lives a 'transient lifestyle'.
He is often seen in Melbourne's inner southern and northern suburbs.
Pictured is a man police are interested in speaking to regarding the alleged incident
The car, which had a 'Happy Hannukah' sign on the roof was firebombed on Christmas Day
The attack has been condemned by the local Jewish community, who called it 'despicable'
He is described as 185cm tall with a thin build, blue eyes, grey hair and a fair complexion.
Police have urged anyone who knows his whereabouts to contact Crime Stoppers immediately.
Detectives say the arson attack appears targeted, but there is no evidence Argento poses a specific risk to the Jewish community.
Police also want to question Argento about a car break-in that occurred just 20 minutes after the firebombing.
'We understand the devastating impact this type of offence has on our Jewish community, and we are continuing to prioritise this investigation,' Chris Gilbert, Assistant Commissioner for the Southern Metro Region, said.
'We won't fully understand the motives of this [alleged] arsonist until we get them into custody.'
Gilbert reiterated that there is no broader threat to the Jewish community and thanked those who had assisted in the investigation.
Jewish leaders have since warned of rising violence over the festive season.