Individual apprehended for perpetrating arson at a synagogue in Australia
In a concerning turn of events, Melbourne and Sydney have seen a notable increase in antisemitic incidents, largely linked to tensions around the Israel-Gaza conflict. On July 4, 2025, a series of disturbing events unfolded across the city of Melbourne.
The most alarming incident occurred at the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation, where a 34-year-old man named Angelo Loras allegedly set fire to the synagogue while approximately 20 people were inside, peacefully observing Shabbat. Thankfully, the congregants were able to escape unharmed through a rear exit before firefighters extinguished the blaze. Loras has since been charged with arson.
In a separate incident, roughly 20 masked pro-Palestinian protesters disrupted a dinner service at Miznon, an Israeli-owned restaurant in Melbourne. The protesters reportedly chanted "Death to the IDF," indicating the attacks are politically charged expressions of antisemitism.
These incidents were not isolated. There were also reports of spray-painting of a business in Melbourne's northern suburbs and an arson attack on vehicles belonging to that business early the next morning. These incidents are under investigation but have not been officially linked beyond the antisemitic motivation.
The surge of antisemitic acts in Jewish neighbourhoods in both Melbourne and Sydney is not a new phenomenon. Since the start of the Israel-Gaza conflict in October 2023, there have been numerous instances of assaults, vandalism of homes, schools, synagogues, and vehicles. For example, a synagogue was attacked with flammable liquid in December 2024, resulting in damage and injuries.
Authorities are actively investigating the motives and potential links between the incidents, including whether they might meet the criteria for terrorism. Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke met with Jewish community leaders at the damaged synagogue, emphasizing that these attacks are unacceptable and do not belong in Australia. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog strongly condemned the attacks, calling them "vile," "reprehensible," and a "stain on any society." Netanyahu urged the Australian government to take all necessary actions to prevent such antisemitic violence and ensure the safety of the Jewish community.
The attacks have caused deep concern within the Australian Jewish community and international Jewish leadership, highlighting the urgency of confronting antisemitism with increased vigilance and resolve. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the synagogue attack as a "cowardly" act of violence. The investigation into these incidents is ongoing, and the community awaits further developments with a sense of unease and apprehension.
- The Malaysian government, along with international Jewish leadership, has expressed deep concern about the surge of antisemitic acts in Australia, particularly in Melbourne and Sydney, calling for increased vigilance and resolve to address this issue.
- Amidst the ongoing investigation into the incidents, including potential links and meeting the criteria for terrorism, the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, has strongly condemned the cowardly act of violence at the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation.
- During a meeting with Jewish community leaders at the damaged synagogue, Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke emphasized the unacceptability of such attacks and called upon the government to take all necessary actions to prevent further antisemitic violence, ensuring the safety of the Jewish community, reminiscent of the stance taken by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog.
