Authorities are treating the recent fire at the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne as a likely terrorist act, with an ongoing search for three suspects. The blaze, which occurred early Friday morning, resulted in one minor injury and significant destruction. Eyewitness accounts confirm masked individuals were seen using an accelerant before igniting the building. Victoria Police, in collaboration with Australian Federal Police and security agencies, have heightened patrols to reassure the Jewish community, although they confirmed no intelligence suggests further attacks are imminent.
Melbourne Synagogue Fire Investigated as Possible Terrorism
Melbourne Synagogue Fire Investigated as Possible Terrorism
Australian police investigate Melbourne synagogue arson, suspecting connection to rising antisemitism.
Commissioner Shane Patton emphasized that the situation evolved with new intelligence, leading them to classify the fire as a probable act of terror. His assessment follows Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's remarks identifying the incident as unequivocal terrorism, based on personal interpretation rather than official police conclusions. Premier Jacinta Allan noted that categorizing the event as terrorism will enable law enforcement to allocate additional resources for the investigation.
The local Jewish community believes this incident reflects a dangerous uptick in antisemitic activities across Australia and raises concerns over potential violence. Witnesses present at the synagogue reported chaos as they heard loud noises, saw windows break, and liquids thrown inside before the fire ignited.
In response to the tense atmosphere, police have stepped up their presence in neighborhoods with large Jewish populations, aiming to enhance safety for community members. Both Allan and Albanese urged the public to reject hatred and sectarianism that fuel violence within Australia, emphasizing the need for a united front against antisemitism.
The Prime Minister has also announced the formation of a special federal task force to probe recent antisemitic incidents, including the vandalism of a Jewish politician's office and another attack in Sydney, characterizing the situation as an escalating threat that warrants immediate attention.
The local Jewish community believes this incident reflects a dangerous uptick in antisemitic activities across Australia and raises concerns over potential violence. Witnesses present at the synagogue reported chaos as they heard loud noises, saw windows break, and liquids thrown inside before the fire ignited.
In response to the tense atmosphere, police have stepped up their presence in neighborhoods with large Jewish populations, aiming to enhance safety for community members. Both Allan and Albanese urged the public to reject hatred and sectarianism that fuel violence within Australia, emphasizing the need for a united front against antisemitism.
The Prime Minister has also announced the formation of a special federal task force to probe recent antisemitic incidents, including the vandalism of a Jewish politician's office and another attack in Sydney, characterizing the situation as an escalating threat that warrants immediate attention.
