MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) – An arsonist targeted the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation by setting fire to its front doors on Friday evening, prompting the evacuation of approximately 20 worshippers who were observing the Jewish day of rest, Shabbat. The incident occurred around 8 p.m., and fortunately, no injuries were reported. Firefighters were able to extinguish the flames before they spread beyond the entrance, according to police statements released the following day.
The incident follows a similar arson attack that took place seven months prior, which resulted in property damage and left one worshipper injured. Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan condemned both acts as attempts to traumatize Jewish families, stating, “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.” These developments occur against a backdrop of rising antisemitism in Australia since October 7, 2023, when the Hamas assault on Israel intensified the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
In light of this context, Jewish and Muslim organizations, alongside hate crime researchers, have observed significant increases in hate-fueled incidents directed towards both communities. In response to the surge in antisemitic and Islamophobic attacks, the Australian government appointed special envoys aimed at addressing these issues. Last December, an arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue by two masked men resulted in extensive damage from a liquid accelerant, with one worshipper suffering minor burns. No charges have yet been filed in that case, which Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attributed to antisemitism.
The Victorian Joint Counter-Terrorism Team, which includes local police and federal agencies, has indicated that the latest fire at the synagogue is likely a politically motivated attack. Acting Victoria Police Commander Zorka Dunstan described the incident as a serious crime but stated that they are not yet categorizing it as a terrorist act. Dunstan emphasized that the investigation will examine the intent and ideology of those involved to determine whether this is indeed terrorism; as of now, it is classified as a serious criminal incident.
In a statement to the press, synagogue president Danny Segal called for unity among the broader Australian community, expressing that the congregation seeks peace and coexistence. He lamented the injustice of these attacks and urged fellow Australians to stand against such hate-driven actions, stating, "We’re here to be in peace... what they’re doing is just not fair and not right.”
Additionally, on the same night as the synagogue incident, around 20 masked protesters descended upon an Israeli-owned restaurant in downtown Melbourne, aggressively confronting diners and causing property damage. The protests resulted in the arrest of a 28-year-old woman for obstructing police efforts. Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dvir Abramovich described the protests as terrorizing to the diners, who were subjected to chants of “Death to the IDF,” referring to the Israel Defense Forces.
Melbourne Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece strongly condemned both the synagogue fire and the harassment of diners at the restaurant, declaring the incidents as shocking acts of violence. He emphasized the need for community solidarity against such criminal behavior. Furthermore, Israel’s deputy foreign minister, Sharren Haskel, spoke out against these acts, highlighting the urgent need to combat racist and antisemitic hate crimes within Australia and expressing solidarity with the affected Jewish community.
