Australian PM Pledges Strong Response to Synagogue Arson Attack

Following a recent arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue, Australian PM Anthony Albanese has committed to using the full force of the law against antisemitism, amidst rising tensions linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed outrage and determination to take decisive measures following an alarming arson attack on a synagogue in Melbourne. The incident took place on Friday night, when a man allegedly poured a flammable liquid on the synagogue's front door before igniting it. Fortunately, around 20 individuals enjoying dinner inside were able to evacuate safely without sustaining any injuries.

As investigations progress, police are exploring a potential connection between this attack and an incident that occurred the same evening at Miznon, a restaurant owned by Jewish proprietors, where rioters disrupted the establishment while chanting slogans against the Israeli military. Some of those involved in the restaurant attack were escorted away in handcuffs. Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, described these events as a severe escalation targeting the Jewish community.

Prime Minister Albanese emphasized the government’s commitment to combating antisemitism in Australia. "Antisemitism has no place in Australia," he stated, vowing that those behind these heinous acts will face "the full force of the law," and assuring that the government will extend all necessary support toward this initiative.

Australian authorities have been alarmed by a rising trend of antisemitic attacks across the country, particularly in light of the recent Israel-Hamas conflict. Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar remarked, "There have been too many antisemitic attacks in Australia," urging the government to step up its actions against what he described as a toxic disease.

Given the volatile political climate regarding the Middle Eastern conflict, Australia has witnessed protests from both Jewish and Muslim communities, resulting in a disturbing increase in incidents of Islamophobia and antisemitism. The violence in Gaza has further intensified these tensions, as both communities grapple with the fallout of the ongoing crisis, which has claimed over 57,000 lives since October 7, according to health reports from the territory.