Melbourne Synagogue Attacked Again in Suspected Arson Incident
A synagogue in Melbourne was targeted by an arsonist on Friday night, compelling congregants to evacuate, just seven months after another synagogue in the area was destroyed by a fire that left a worshipper injured.
The incident occurred around 8 p.m. when a man ignited the double doors of the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation, a police statement revealed on Saturday. Approximately 20 individuals who were gathered for a Shabbat meal escaped through a rear exit, and fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Firefighters promptly extinguished the flames, which were confined to the entrance, according to police reports.
The attack is part of a disturbing trend of antisemitic incidents in Australia, which have surged since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, leading to ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Both Jewish and Muslim organizations, as well as hate crime analysts, have reported significant increases in hate-related incidents targeting both communities. In response, the Australian government assigned special envoys last year to address issues of antisemitism and Islamophobia.
In December, an earlier assault on the Adass Israel Synagogue saw two masked assailants inflict extensive damage by spreading a flammable liquid and igniting it, resulting in minor injuries to a congregation member. No charges have yet been filed in connection with that case, which Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attributed to antisemitism.
The Victorian Joint Counter-Terrorism Team, comprised of local and federal police alongside Australia’s primary domestic intelligence agency, suggested the recent fire may be politically motivated.
Police Label Synagogue Fire as a Serious Offense
Acting Victoria Police Commander Zorka Dunstan characterized the synagogue fire as a serious crime. Authorities have circulated a CCTV image of a potential suspect.
“We want to express that we regard these acts as reprehensible and intolerable. However, we are not yet classifying this as a terrorist act,” Dunstan stated during a press briefing.
She elaborated that the investigation would focus on the motivations and beliefs of the individuals involved to determine if terrorism is applicable, currently deeming it a serious criminal matter requiring an appropriate response. A designation as a terrorism-related incident would provide additional resources for the investigation and could lead to more severe charges.
Danny Segal, the synagogue’s president, called upon the wider Australian public to support his congregation.
“We seek peaceful coexistence and hope for community unity in this beautiful country. What has transpired is unjust, and as Australians, we must collectively stand against it,” Segal articulated to reporters.
Protesters Disrupt Dining Experience at Israeli Restaurant
In another related incident on Friday night, around 20 masked protesters disrupted diners at an Israeli-owned restaurant in downtown Melbourne, shattering a window at Miznon. A 28-year-old woman was arrested for obstructing law enforcement.
Dvir Abramovich, the chair of the Anti-Defamation Commission and an outspoken advocate against antisemitism in Australia, denounced the actions, stating that the diners were terrorized as the group shouted “Death to the IDF,” referring to the Israel Defense Forces.
“Melbourne, for that evening, ceased to be a secure environment for Jews,” Abramovich commented.
Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece condemned the incidents involving the synagogue and the restaurant.
“The reprehensible acts against a Melbourne synagogue and an Israeli establishment are utterly shocking,” Reece remarked, emphasizing the need for community solidarity against such acts.
Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan asserted that both incidents were intended to intimidate Jewish families.
“Any assault on a house of worship is hate-driven, and targeting a Jewish place of worship is a clear act of antisemitism,” she stated in her official response.
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