A devastating fire ripped through the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea, Melbourne, early Friday morning, wounding two people and causing significant damage to the historic building.
Detective Inspector Chris Murray of the Victoria Police said the fire was “deliberately-lit” and that a witness saw two individuals in masks spreading an accelerant. Murray assured the public that the police would do everything they could to bring those responsible before the courts once identified.
The attack has been condemned by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who stressed that he has “zero tolerance for antisemitism” and called it “outrageous” to target a place of worship.
The synagogue, located on Glen Eira Avenue, sustained significant structural damage, with the majority of the damage caused in the Sephardi section.
Firefighters from Fire Rescue Victoria responded to the scene, with 60 firefighters and 17 firetrucks working to bring the fire under control within an hour. The police have ruled the site a crime scene and are investigating the cause of the fire, treating it as suspicious.
The attack has sent shockwaves through the Jewish community, with leaders expressing concern and many calling for increased security around synagogues and other Jewish institutions.
International leaders have also condemned the attack, with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu describing it as a “disappointing” vote, and Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Sa’ar, urging Australian authorities to act swiftly to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The attack comes at a time of heightened tensions, with Australia’s recent vote at the United Nations calling for Israel to withdraw from the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem, sparking criticism from Israeli officials.
The fire has left the Adass Israel community and the broader Jewish population in Melbourne grappling with fear and uncertainty, with many calling for increased security measures to be taken to protect Jewish institutions.
