Police in southeastern Australia are on the lookout for two masked suspects following a disturbing incident at the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne. The synagogue was set ablaze in the early hours of Friday morning, prompting worshippers to evacuate the premises as the fire quickly spread.
According to a board member of the synagogue, the attack involved individuals banging on the door, throwing a flammable liquid inside, and igniting it. The swift actions of those inside prevented further harm, although one person sustained burns during the chaos.
Authorities have classified the incident as a deliberate act of arson, with the Victoria Police Arson and Explosives Squad leading the investigation. Detective Inspector Chris Murray revealed that two suspects were observed spreading an accelerant within the synagogue, indicating a targeted attack.
While the motive behind the arson has not been definitively labeled as terrorism, concerns over rising antisemitism have been raised. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack as a clear display of antisemitism, emphasizing the need for unity and condemnation of such violence.
The escalation of tensions between pro-Israel and pro-Palestine groups in Australia, exacerbated by the conflict in Gaza, has heightened concerns within the Jewish community. In response, the government has allocated significant resources towards enhancing security at Jewish sites and combating hate crimes.
Efforts to address hate speech through legislative measures are underway, with proposed laws aiming to criminalize incitement of violence based on identity or beliefs. Despite these initiatives, community leaders express frustration over the persistence of antisemitic incidents and call for stronger action to safeguard religious institutions.
The Australian Jewish Association and the Jewish Council of Australia have decried the attack as a reprehensible act of violence, emphasizing the sanctity of places of worship and the need for collective vigilance against hate-fueled actions.
