Suspect Charged Following Synagogue Fire in Melbourne
A man has been arrested and charged after allegedly setting fire to the front entrance of a Melbourne synagogue while around 20 worshippers gathered inside for a Shabbat dinner. The 34-year-old suspect faces multiple charges, including reckless conduct endangering life.
Details of the Incident
The fire broke out on Friday night at the East Melbourne Synagogue as attendees observed the Jewish day of rest. Fortunately, everyone inside escaped unharmed by exiting through the back of the building before firefighters arrived to extinguish the blaze.
Official Responses and Investigation
Victorian police are investigating the case thoroughly, with detectives examining whether the incident qualifies as terrorism based on the suspect's intent and ideology. Authorities have yet to link this attack to two other antisemitic incidents in Melbourne on the same evening.
Other Related Incidents
- A group of approximately 20 protesters disrupted dinner service at an Israeli-owned restaurant, overturning tables and breaking windows while chanting.
- Elsewhere in the city, cars were set on fire and vandalized with antisemitic graffiti.
National and International Condemnation
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese denounced the synagogue attack as a "cowardly act of violence," emphasizing the potential catastrophic consequences of targeting a peaceful religious gathering.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the fire as "reprehensible" and condemned the restaurant disturbance as a "violent assault" perpetrated by "pro-Palestinian rioters." He called on the Australian government to take decisive legal action against the rioters to prevent future attacks.
Background: Rising Antisemitism in Australia
In recent months, Melbourne and Sydney have experienced a spike in antisemitic incidents, including vandalism targeting Jewish neighborhoods. Last December, masked arsonists firebombed another Melbourne synagogue, prompting the Australian government to establish a federal task force dedicated to combating antisemitism.
