Early Friday morning, the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne became the target of an arson attack, alarming local authorities and community leaders. Witnesses reported seeing two individuals pouring accelerant inside the building shortly before a scheduled morning service.
Melbourne Synagogue Arson: Antisemitism Condemned by Leaders
Melbourne Synagogue Arson: Antisemitism Condemned by Leaders
A fire set at the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne has prompted urgent police investigation and widespread condemnation of antisemitism.
The police were alerted just after 4 a.m. local time when two congregants arrived to find the suspects fleeing the scene. According to reports, the arsonists are believed to have intended to destroy the place of worship and are being actively pursued by law enforcement.
Emergency responders arrived swiftly, managing to avert a larger disaster as the building sustained significant damage; fortunately, only one congregant incurred a minor injury while attempting to mitigate the situation. Investigators currently consider the fire a targeted act, given the context of rising antisemitism in Australia.
Victoria Police's arson and explosives squad, led by Chris Murray, has vowed to bring those responsible to justice, underscoring the importance of religious freedom and safety in the community. The Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, echoed this sentiment, stating emphatically that antisemitism will not be tolerated and condemned the incident as an act of outrage against the community's right to worship without fear.
Simultaneously, Jacinta Allen, the Victorian Premier, confirmed the incident's antisemitic motive, highlighting the troubling trend of religious-targeted violence that has surged in Australia, particularly since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023. Reports detail over 2,000 anti-Jewish incidents occurring between October of last year and September of this year, reflecting a worrying atmosphere of division between religious groups.
Leaders across the country are now calling for unity and action against such hate-fueled crimes to ensure the safety and security of all faiths in Australia. The urgency of addressing these issues continues to grow amidst rising tensions.
Emergency responders arrived swiftly, managing to avert a larger disaster as the building sustained significant damage; fortunately, only one congregant incurred a minor injury while attempting to mitigate the situation. Investigators currently consider the fire a targeted act, given the context of rising antisemitism in Australia.
Victoria Police's arson and explosives squad, led by Chris Murray, has vowed to bring those responsible to justice, underscoring the importance of religious freedom and safety in the community. The Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, echoed this sentiment, stating emphatically that antisemitism will not be tolerated and condemned the incident as an act of outrage against the community's right to worship without fear.
Simultaneously, Jacinta Allen, the Victorian Premier, confirmed the incident's antisemitic motive, highlighting the troubling trend of religious-targeted violence that has surged in Australia, particularly since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023. Reports detail over 2,000 anti-Jewish incidents occurring between October of last year and September of this year, reflecting a worrying atmosphere of division between religious groups.
Leaders across the country are now calling for unity and action against such hate-fueled crimes to ensure the safety and security of all faiths in Australia. The urgency of addressing these issues continues to grow amidst rising tensions.
