Antisemitism blamed for arson attack on synagogue in Australia
Police say they are searching for two people suspected of starting the fire at the Adass Israel Synagogue, which left one person injured and caused extensive damage.
Saturday 7 December 2024 08:33, UK
Australia's prime minister has blamed antisemitism for an arson attack on a synagogue in Melbourne.
Cars and buildings across the country have been vandalised and torched in protests against the war between Israel and Hamas, which began in October last year.
Police said they were searching for two people suspected of starting the fire at the Adass Israel Synagogue, which left one person injured and caused extensive damage.
A witness who had come to the building to pray saw two masked men spreading liquid accelerant with brooms inside before setting it alight at 4.10am local time, police said.
Around 60 firefighters and 17 fire engines were called to the blaze at the synagogue, which was built by Holocaust survivors in the 1960s.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese blamed antisemitism for the fire, saying: "This was a shocking incident to be unequivocally condemned. There is no place in Australia for an outrage such as this.
"To attack a place of worship is an attack on Australian values. To attack a synagogue is an act of antisemitism, is attacking the right that all Australians should have to practice their faith in peace and security."
Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann, a religious leader at the synagogue, described the arsonists as "thugs".
"Tonight is the Sabbath. We must all go and find a sense of calmness, comradery and community by gathering for the Sabbath tonight and praying together as one community," Rabbi Kaltmann said.
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'We stand against antisemitism'
The Australian Jewish Association said it was "outraged but not at all surprised" at the attack and said the Jewish community in Australia had felt abandoned by the government.
Victoria state premier Jacinta Allan said the synagogue was "built by Holocaust survivors" and offered AU$100,000 (£50,400) to help repair the building.
"Every available resource will be deployed to find these criminals who tried to tear a community apart," Ms Allan said.
"We stand against antisemitism now and forever."
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It comes after dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside Sydney's Great Synagogue on Wednesday as they demanded sanctions against Israel, preventing some worshippers inside from leaving.
Noting the protests, Israel's ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon said: "We are talking about the values you expect Australians to follow, not my own values. And for me it's clear that everyone should have the right to worship his own religion, own beliefs, as long as they also respect others."
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Australia has experienced a rise in antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents since the start of the Israel-Gaza war in October 2023. Laws passed last year banned public displays of terror group symbols.
On 7 October 2023, Hamas gunmen launched an attack on southern Israel, rampaging through communities and killing 1,200 people. It is believed there could be around 100 Israeli hostages still in Gaza after around 250 were taken during the attacks.
More than 40,000 people have now been killed in Gaza, according to the territory's health ministry.