Arson Attack Targets Melbourne Synagogue as Antisemitic Incidents Surge Across Australia
- Victor Nwoko
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
An arsonist set fire to the front doors of the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation on Friday night, forcing around 20 worshippers to flee through a rear exit as they gathered for a Shabbat meal. The attack comes just seven months after another Melbourne synagogue was destroyed in a similar blaze involving accelerants, leaving a worshipper injured.
According to police, the suspect doused the double doors of the historic synagogue around 8 p.m. and set them ablaze. Fire crews quickly responded and managed to contain the fire to the front entrance. No injuries were reported.
Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan condemned the incident, calling it an “act of hate” and “antisemitism,” echoing concerns raised after a string of antisemitic attacks across Australia since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023. “These incidents are designed to traumatize Jewish families,” Allan stated.
The Victorian Joint Counter-Terrorism Team, which includes Victoria Police, federal police, and Australia’s domestic intelligence agency, believes the fire may have been politically motivated. While not currently classified as a terrorist incident, investigators are examining the ideology and intent behind the attack. If deemed terrorism, additional federal resources and harsher charges could apply.
Acting Victoria Police Commander Zorka Dunstan described the synagogue attack as a “serious crime” and released CCTV images of a suspect. “We recognize these crimes are disgusting and abhorrent,” she said, noting that investigations are ongoing.
Friday’s fire has heightened concerns in the Jewish community, already on edge following a December 2023 attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in southeast Melbourne. In that case, two masked men spread liquid accelerant throughout the building before setting it ablaze, causing extensive damage and injuring a worshipper. No arrests have been made in that case.
Jewish and Muslim communities across Australia have reported a sharp rise in hate incidents since the war in Gaza began. In response, the Australian government last year appointed special envoys to combat both antisemitism and Islamophobia.
Synagogue president Danny Segal urged the wider Australian public to stand in solidarity with the Jewish community. “We’re here for peace, to live together. Australia is such a beautiful country. What’s happening is not fair and not right. As Australians, we must stand up,” Segal said.
On the same night as the synagogue arson, a separate incident unfolded in downtown Melbourne, where approximately 20 masked individuals stormed Miznon, an Israeli-owned restaurant. A window was smashed, and diners were allegedly harassed while protesters chanted “Death to the IDF.” A 28-year-old woman was arrested for hindering police.
Dvir Abramovich, chair of the Anti-Defamation Commission, said diners were “terrorized,” adding that “Melbourne, for one night, stopped being a safe place for Jews.”
Melbourne Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece strongly condemned both incidents. “These criminal acts against a synagogue and an Israeli business are absolutely shocking. All of us must stand against hate.”
Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel also issued a statement of solidarity with Melbourne’s Jewish community, calling the attacks “yet another reminder of how far racist, antisemitic hate crimes have spread in the heart of Australia.” She added, “Israel stands with you.”
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