Australian officials have condemned an arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue while worshippers were inside. This incident is the latest in a series targeting the country’s Jewish community.
Police say the fire started on Friday evening at the synagogue’s entrance in the eastern part of Victoria’s capital. Firefighters quickly put out the flames. None of the 20 people inside were hurt.
This attack follows several recent antisemitic incidents in Australia. Seven months ago, another Melbourne synagogue suffered an arson attack that injured one person and caused major damage.
Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan called the attack “absolutely appalling” on Saturday. She said any attack on places of worship is unacceptable.
“Any attack on a place of worship is an act of hate, and any attack on a Jewish place of worship is an act of antisemitism,” Allan said.
Investigation and community response
Police believe a male suspect poured a flammable liquid on the synagogue’s front door and set it alight. They suspect he is a white man in his 30s but have not identified him.
Authorities emphasised that antisemitic and hate-based behaviour have no place in society.
Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, said the fire started as people inside sat down for Shabbat dinner.
Investigators are checking whether the attack links to an incident at an inner-city restaurant on the same night. One person was arrested there for obstructing police. The Israeli-owned restaurant suffered extensive damage.
“These events mark a serious escalation against our community,” Ryvchin said.
Since the Israel-Gaza conflict began in late 2023, homes, schools, synagogues, and vehicles in Australia have faced antisemitic vandalism and arson. Police also foiled a planned attack on a Sydney synagogue involving explosives intended to distract officers.
