Worshippers were forced to escape Melbourne’s Adass Israel synagogue early Friday after a suspected arson attack, which Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned as an “act of hate.”
Firefighters arrived at the Ripponlea synagogue just after 4:00 AM local time (17:00 GMT Thursday) to find the building engulfed in flames. Community leaders reported that “a few people” were inside for morning prayers when firebombs were allegedly thrown. One individual sustained injuries, and the fire caused extensive damage.
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Victoria Police confirmed that they believe the fire was intentionally lit but are keeping an “open mind” regarding the motive. A witness reported seeing two masked individuals spreading accelerant inside the synagogue.
Prime Minister Albanese expressed outrage at the attack, labeling it a “violence and intimidation” aimed at instilling fear in the community. “This destruction at a place of worship is an outrage,” he said. “The people involved must be caught and face the full force of the law.”
Benjamin Klein, a board member of the synagogue, recounted that those inside heard banging and saw liquids being ignited. One worshipper, Yumi Friedman, described suffering burns while attempting to re-enter the building to fight the blaze.
Victoria Police have launched a significant investigation, calling on anyone with information, CCTV, or dashcam footage to assist. Authorities have also pledged to bolster patrols in the area to reassure the community.
Jewish leaders have linked the attack to a broader rise in antisemitism in Australia. Daniel Aghion, president of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, stated, “None of the Jewish community is surprised. We’ve known this has been coming.”
Detective Inspector Chris Murray emphasized the police’s commitment to ensuring worshippers can “return to their local synagogues without fear.” An arson chemist is set to determine the fire’s exact cause as investigations continue.
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