MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) – An arsonist caused extensive damage to a Melbourne synagogue on Friday in what Australia's prime minister condemned as an anti-Semitic attack on Australian values.
The Adas Israel Synagogue fire marks the latest escalation in targeted attacks in Australia since the war between Israel and Hamas began last year. War-inspired protests have seen cars and buildings vandalized and set on fire across Australia.
Officials said a witness who came to the synagogue for services at 4:10 a.m. saw two masked men using brooms to spray liquid accelerant into the building.
Seventeen fire engines and about 60 firefighters were called to the scene, and police said the blaze caused extensive damage.
Investigators have not yet determined a motive, but Prime Minister Antony Albanese denounced anti-Semitism.
“This was a shocking incident that must be unequivocally condemned. Australia has no place for such outrage,” Mr Albanese told reporters.
“Attacking a place of worship is an attack on Australian values. Attacking a synagogue is an act of anti-Semitism and an attack on the right of all Australians to practice their faith in peace and security. ” he added.
In an article on X, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called the synagogue attack “abhorrent.”
“Antisemitism must be confronted ruthlessly and we call on the Australian authorities to act quickly and ensure these despicable perpetrators are brought to justice.”
Rabbi Gabi Kaltman, the religious leader of the synagogue that was torched, called the arsonists “thugs.”
“Tonight is Shabbat, and we all must go and find the serenity, fellowship, and sense of community by coming together tonight on Shabbat and praying together as one community,” Kratman said at the synagogue. he told reporters outside.
In January, a federal law banned the Nazi salute and the public display of Nazi symbols in response to rising anti-Semitism.
The government appointed a special envoy this year to combat anti-Semitism and Islamophobia in the community.
Jewish envoy Gillian Segal, a Sydney lawyer and business owner, said Australia's Jewish community was “more upset than ever about what's going on”.
“I'm very concerned. This is a major escalation in terms of synagogue burnings that resonate with what happened during the Holocaust,” Segal said.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said in a statement that the synagogue was “built by Holocaust survivors.”
Many of the synagogue's original worshipers were immigrants from Hungary after World War II.
Mr Allan said he would provide 100,000 Australian dollars ($64,300) to restore the synagogue and increase police presence in the area.
“Every resource available will be used to find the criminals who tried to tear our community apart,” Allan said.
“We are and always will be against anti-Semitism,” she added.
Australian Jewish Executive Council president Daniel Aghion said the broader Australian community needed to condemn the arson attack.
“This morning I have received calls from the Hindu community and others, good people who are ready to stand up. This is my message this morning to Australia and to the good people of Australia,” Mr Aghion said. he told reporters.
“Do not leave Jews behind. Do not leave us alone. Do not leave us at risk of attacks on religious sites and community organizations. Stand with us in this. “Stand up against hate and stand up to these kinds of horrific attacks that should never happen on mainland Australia,” he added.
