Masked arsonists set ablaze a Melbourne synagogue, igniting fears of rising antisemitism in Australia.
At a Glance
- Two masked men deliberately set fire to Melbourne’s Adass Israel synagogue using accelerants
- The attack is being investigated as an antisemitic crime linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict
- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese strongly condemned the act as an assault on Australian values
- The incident is part of a troubling rise in antisemitic incidents in Australia since the outbreak of war in Gaza
- Authorities have increased security measures and are actively pursuing the perpetrators
Arson Attack Shocks Jewish Community
Arsonists targeted Melbourne’s Adass Israel synagogue, a place of worship built by Holocaust survivors from Hungary. The attack, which occurred in the early hours of the morning, saw two masked individuals spreading accelerants inside the building before fleeing when spotted by a congregant. The violence has sent shockwaves through Australia’s Jewish community and beyond, raising alarm bells about the escalating climate of antisemitism in the country.
The response from emergency services was swift and substantial, with 60 firefighters and 17 trucks dispatched to battle the blaze. While the structure suffered significant damage, thankfully, no serious injuries were reported. However, the attack on a sacred space, particularly one with such deep historical significance, strikes at the heart of religious freedom and multicultural values that Australia holds dear.
We’re horrified by the attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne early this morning, which left 2 injured and the shul severely damaged.
Congregants witnessed 2 masked individuals setting fire to the building and police are now searching for the suspects.
This attack… https://t.co/ESG30Ama5A pic.twitter.com/BMUMpUOgzs
— ADL (@ADL) December 6, 2024
Government and Community Response
Australian leaders have been quick to denounce this act of antisemitism. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s response was unequivocal, stating, “There is no place in Australia for an outrage such as this. To attack a place of worship is an attack on Australian values.”
The state government has also taken swift action. Victoria state Premier Jacinta Allan announced a fund of $64,300 for synagogue repairs and increased police presence to ensure the safety of the Jewish community. These measures, while necessary, highlight the unfortunate reality that places of worship now require heightened security in the face of such threats.
Rising Tide of Antisemitism
The attack did not occur in isolation. It’s part of a trend of increasing antisemitic incidents in Australia since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry reported over 2,000 anti-Jewish incidents in the past year alone, a statistic that should alarm all Australians who value peaceful coexistence and religious freedom.
“I’m very concerned. Here is one major escalation in terms of burning synagogues which has resonance as to what happened during the Holocaust,” said Melbourne lawyer Jillian Segal.
In the face of the attack, community leaders are urging calm and unity. Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann’s call for Sabbath prayers to continue despite the destruction is a powerful testament to the resilience of the Jewish community.
