Worshippers inside Melbourne’s Adass Israel synagogue narrowly escaped harm during a deliberate arson attack early Friday morning, prompting widespread condemnation and a call for justice.
Firefighters responded to the blaze just after 4:00 a.m. local time (17:00 GMT Thursday) in the Ripponlea suburb. The fire, which had already engulfed the building by the time emergency services arrived, caused significant structural damage.
Community leaders reported that a small number of worshippers were inside the synagogue for morning prayers when firebombs were allegedly thrown into the building. One person sustained injuries, although details about the severity have not been disclosed.
Victoria Police have launched an investigation, stating the fire is believed to have been deliberately set. While the exact motive remains unclear, authorities are treating the incident with the utmost seriousness.
Detective Inspector Chris Murray confirmed that witnesses reported seeing two masked individuals entering the synagogue with accelerant. “We’re keeping an open mind on the motive, but this is a deliberate act,” he said.
An arson chemist will examine the site to confirm the fire’s origin, while police are seeking assistance from the public. Local residents with CCTV or dashcam footage are urged to come forward with any information that could aid the investigation.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese strongly denounced the attack, labeling it as an “act of hate” meant to intimidate the Jewish community.
“This violence, intimidation, and destruction at a place of worship is an outrage,” Albanese said in a statement. “I have zero tolerance for antisemitism. Those responsible must be caught and face the full force of the law.”
The Prime Minister revealed that the Australian Federal Police would assist Victoria’s local authorities in the investigation.
Synagogue board member Benjamin Klein described the terrifying moments leading up to the fire. “People inside heard banging on the door and windows, and then some liquid was thrown through, which was set alight,” Klein told *The Age*.
“The whole thing took off pretty quickly,” he added, detailing how worshippers fled to safety.
Inspector Murray reassured the public that significant resources would be allocated to ensure community safety. Additional patrols have been deployed to the area to prevent further incidents and restore confidence among residents.
The attack has left Melbourne’s Jewish community shaken but resolute. Community leaders and local organizations have vowed to stand strong against acts of hate and intimidation.
Inspector Murray acknowledged the community’s concerns and emphasized the importance of protecting the right to worship. “We’re going to do our best to ensure that worshippers can return to their synagogue without fear,” he stated.
The incident underscores growing global concerns over antisemitism, with authorities and advocacy groups calling for heightened security at places of worship.
Police are appealing to anyone in the Ripponlea area with CCTV footage or dashcam recordings from the time of the attack to come forward. Witnesses or anyone with information related to the incident are urged to contact Victoria Police as the investigation intensifies.
