The arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue has provoked widespread condemnation and calls for justice. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese characterized the incident as an "outrage" aimed at instilling fear within the community, while local authorities are intensifying investigations into the deliberate act and its motives.
Melbourne Synagogue Fire: Community Outrage and Calls for Justice
Melbourne Synagogue Fire: Community Outrage and Calls for Justice
A fire at the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne, labeled an act of hate by the Prime Minister, has left the local Jewish community in fear.
Worshippers were forced to flee the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne after it was set ablaze in a suspected arson attack. Firefighters received the emergency call just after 4:00 AM local time, finding the building fully engulfed in flames. During the incident, a few congregants were inside for morning prayers and claimed to have seen firebombs thrown into the synagogue. One individual sustained injuries due to the chaos, and the blaze inflicted significant damage on the structure.
Police have indicated that they believe the fire was intentionally started but remain open to various motives. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued a strong statement condemning the attack, asserting that it was "clearly aimed at creating fear in the community." He described the violence and intimidation directed at a place of worship as “an outrage” and emphasized his government’s zero tolerance for antisemitism. Albanese communicated with the Australian Federal Police, who are extending support to local authorities in Victoria to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
While the precise cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, Detective Inspector Chris Murray stated that witnesses reported seeing two masked individuals pouring accelerant inside the synagogue. He urged anyone with information, including CCTV or dashcam footage, to assist the investigation by contacting local law enforcement.
Benjamin Klein, a board member of the synagogue, recounted their terrifying experience: worshippers heard loud banging on doors and windows, with ignited liquids being thrown through. Yumi Friedman, one of those present during the attack, described the chaos, mentioning that a smashed window sent glass flying, and he injured his hand in an attempt to return and extinguish the fire.
In response to community outrage, Detective Inspector Murray promised that significant police resources would be allocated to the investigation and that patrols in the area would be bolstered. "We will do our utmost to ensure that the community can return to their local synagogues without fear," he asserted.
Jewish community leaders believe this attack represents a troubling escalation in antisemitic incidents across Australia. Daniel Aghion, president of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, expressed no surprise at the violence, as he indicated that the community had anticipated such hostility. The incident has raised alarming concerns about the safety of religious minorities in Australia and the rising tide of hate crimes targeting them.
