Authorities in Melbourne, Australia are currently investigating a fire that broke out at the Adass Israel Synagogue in the early hours of Friday morning. The incident, which caused significant damage to the synagogue, is suspected to have been a deliberate act.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the fire, which started around 4am local time. The Victoria police have confirmed that they are treating the incident as arson and are actively looking into the matter.
According to Detective Inspector Chris Murray of the Arson and Explosives Squad, evidence suggests that the fire was intentionally set and targeted at the synagogue. However, the motive behind the act remains unknown at this time.
Witnesses have come forward to report seeing two masked individuals spreading accelerant inside the building prior to the fire. Police are currently reviewing CCTV footage and have identified two persons of interest in connection with the incident.
Reacting to the news, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his shock and condemnation of the attack. He described the incident as a 'terrible outrage' and emphasized that such acts of violence and destruction at a place of worship should never be tolerated in Australia.
Albanese further highlighted that an attack on a synagogue is inherently an act of antisemitism and called on all Australians to unequivocally denounce such behavior.
