Arsonist causes panic as synagogue door is set ablaze in an Australian congregation's gathering place
Since 2023, Australia has been grappling with a **notable wave of antisemitic attacks**, as evidenced by vandalism, violence, and arson targeting Jewish institutions and individuals. The trend has caused significant concern within the Jewish community and prompted strong government responses.
Last Friday night, a man set fire to the double front doors of the downtown East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation, causing a scare for worshippers inside. Fortunately, no one was injured, and firefighters contained and extinguished the blaze at the synagogue's front entrance. The Victoria Joint Counter-Terrorism Team considers the incident as a politically-motivated attack, and the investigation will examine the intent and ideology of the person or persons involved to determine if it is terrorism.
Meanwhile, around 20 masked protesters harassed diners in an Israeli-owned restaurant in downtown Melbourne on the same night. A Miznon restaurant window was broken during the incident, and a 28-year-old woman was arrested for hindering police.
These incidents follow a series of antisemitic attacks in Australia, including the attack on Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne's southeast in December 2022, where a liquid accelerant was used, causing extensive damage and minor burns to a worshipper. No charges have been laid for that attack.
The wave of antisemitic attacks appears to be fueled by rising tensions related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as evidenced by pro-Palestinian slogans accompanying antisemitic vandalism. Authorities are investigating whether foreign actors have paid local criminals to carry out these attacks, suggesting some are part of organized efforts rather than isolated acts.
The Australian government and law enforcement have taken these attacks very seriously. Federal and state police, along with national security agencies like ASIO, have launched counterterrorism investigations into incidents involving explosives and suspected coordinated attacks. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned the acts as "evil hate crimes" and called meetings of the National Cabinet to coordinate responses.
The NSW government has passed new hate speech laws and committed funds to support affected communities such as the Jewish House, aiming to strengthen protections and improve community resilience. Political leaders across parties have united in condemning antisemitism, emphasizing it as a critical issue in national discourse and elections.
Jewish organizations and community leaders have spoken out against the hate, highlighting the trauma and fear inflicted on Jewish Australians and calling for ongoing vigilance and education to combat antisemitism. Israel's deputy foreign minister has also expressed full solidarity with the Jewish community in Melbourne.
Melbourne Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece has condemned both the synagogue and restaurant incidents, stating that they were designed to "traumatize Jewish families." The Anti-Defamation Commission chair, Dvir Abramovich, stated that diners were terrorized as the group chanted "Death to the IDF."
In response to the wave of antisemitic attacks, the Australian government appointed special envoys to combat antisemitism and Islamophobia in the community last year. The Victorian Premier, Jacinta Allan, has stated that 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.
Danny Segal, the synagogue's president, has called for the wider Australian community to stand with his congregation in the face of these attacks. Segal emphasized the need for unity and solidarity in the face of hate and fear.
- The Victoria Joint Counter-Terrorism Team is investigating the incident at the downtown East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation, considering it a politically-motivated attack, and aiming to determine if it is terrorism.
- The wave of antisemitic attacks in Australia, including the arson at the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation and the vandalism at an Israeli-owned restaurant in downtown Melbourne, is suspected to be fueled by rising tensions related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- The Australian government and law enforcement have launched counterterrorism investigations into incidents involving explosives and suspected coordinated attacks, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese strongly condemning the acts as "evil hate crimes".
- The NSW government has passed new hate speech laws and committed funds to support affected communities, such as the Jewish House, aiming to strengthen protections and improve community resilience.
- Community leaders in Toronto, like Danny Segal, the president of the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation, are calling for unity and solidarity from the wider community as they face these antisemitic attacks, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance and education to combat antisemitism.
