Early Friday morning, the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne, Australia, was targeted in a suspected arson attack, leaving the community in shock and prompting condemnation from the highest levels of government.
Arson Attack on Melbourne Synagogue Sparks Outrage
Arson Attack on Melbourne Synagogue Sparks Outrage
Arsonists set fire to Adass Israel Synagogue, prompting calls for justice against antisemitism.
The police are currently investigating the case, gathering information from witnesses who reported seeing two masked individuals pouring accelerant inside the building, shortly before the fire erupted around 4 a.m. local time. Fortunately, there were no congregants present in the synagogue at the time of the blaze, which occurred shortly before a planned service.
Emergency services arrived swiftly, but the fire had already caused significant damage to the house of worship. One congregant reported a minor injury while trying to intervene, reflecting the immediate danger posed by the attack. Authorities believe the incident was targeted, with investigators searching for three suspects connected to the crime.
Chris Murray, leading the arson investigation for Victoria Police, asserted that those responsible for the attack would face consequences, emphasizing the Australian value of safe worship for all faiths. "We want our congregants to return to their synagogue without fear," he remarked during a press conference.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the act as a manifestation of antisemitism, declaring that it has "absolutely no place in Australia." He described the incident as "outrageous," stressing the importance of protecting places of worship from violence and intimidation.
Victoria's Premier, Jacinta Allen, echoed this sentiment, clearly stating the attack was antisemitic in nature. Since the onset of the conflict in Gaza in October 2023, Australia has seen a troubling rise in incidents targeting both Jewish and Muslim communities, with more than 2,000 acts of antisemitism reported in the past year alone.
The community remains vigilant and resolute, awaiting justice for the attack that shook their sense of safety and belonging.
Emergency services arrived swiftly, but the fire had already caused significant damage to the house of worship. One congregant reported a minor injury while trying to intervene, reflecting the immediate danger posed by the attack. Authorities believe the incident was targeted, with investigators searching for three suspects connected to the crime.
Chris Murray, leading the arson investigation for Victoria Police, asserted that those responsible for the attack would face consequences, emphasizing the Australian value of safe worship for all faiths. "We want our congregants to return to their synagogue without fear," he remarked during a press conference.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the act as a manifestation of antisemitism, declaring that it has "absolutely no place in Australia." He described the incident as "outrageous," stressing the importance of protecting places of worship from violence and intimidation.
Victoria's Premier, Jacinta Allen, echoed this sentiment, clearly stating the attack was antisemitic in nature. Since the onset of the conflict in Gaza in October 2023, Australia has seen a troubling rise in incidents targeting both Jewish and Muslim communities, with more than 2,000 acts of antisemitism reported in the past year alone.
The community remains vigilant and resolute, awaiting justice for the attack that shook their sense of safety and belonging.
