Prime Minister Anthony Albanese labels fire as antisemitic act of hate
- An arson attack severely damaged the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne, which occurred early on Friday morning.
- Witness reports indicate that two masked assailants used accelerants to ignite the fire while congregants were present.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese labeled the incident an antisemitic attack, reflecting rising hate crimes against Jewish communities in Australia.
In Melbourne, Australia, an arson attack occurred on the Adass Israel Synagogue early on a Friday morning, around 4 a.m. local time, significantly damaging the building while some congregants were present for morning prayers. Witnesses reported two masked individuals spreading accelerant inside the synagogue before igniting it, forcing worshippers to flee. The attack resulted in at least one minor injury and extensive damage to the synagogue structure, which has heightened concerns about rising antisemitism in the country. This incident followed an increase of antisemitic incidents in Australia since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023. Australia's Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, swiftly condemned the incident, describing it as a deliberate attack aimed at instilling fear within the Jewish community. He expressed his zero tolerance for antisemitism, asserting that attacks on places of worship are alarming and violate the fundamental rights of all Australians to practice their faith in peace and security. The Prime Minister’s condemnation was echoed by local authorities and Jewish community leaders, who are urging for a more proactive approach in combating antisemitism in the country. The police have initiated an investigation, treating the fire as suspicious, yet they are keeping an open mind regarding the motive behind the arson. The community surrounds the synagogue, primarily populated by Jewish residents, has been described as living in fear amidst escalating tensions related to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. This incident is part of a broader pattern of violence that has erupted, alarming community members and prompting calls for increased protection and security measures. In response to this latest escalation, the Victor Police have announced they are increasing their patrols around the area to ensure the safety of worshippers and to deter further acts of violence. Community leaders and politicians have also started discussions to enhance protections for places of worship amid rising antisemitism, which they attribute to international conflicts spilling over into local tensions. The police have called on the public to assist in their investigation by providing any CCTV or dashcam footage from the vicinity of the synagogue attack, underscoring their commitment to resolve the case swiftly and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.