Vile Attack: Sydney Man Charged in Melbourne Synagogue Arson as Antisemitic Incidents Surge in Australia
Melbourne, Australia – A Sydney man has been charged in connection with a brazen arson attack on one of Melbourne’s oldest synagogues, where 20 worshippers were gathered for Sabbath dinner. The incident, described by leaders as a “vile” and “severe hate crime,” is the latest in an alarming series of antisemitic acts that have unsettled Australia’s Jewish community since the start of the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Counterterrorism detectives arrested the 34-year-old man from New South Wales late on Saturday. He faces serious charges, including criminal damage by fire, after allegedly dousing the front door of the historic East Melbourne Synagogue with a flammable liquid and setting it ablaze on Friday night.
Fortunately, the 20 people inside the building managed to escape the fire without injury. Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze, but the attack has left deep scars on the community.
A Night of Targeted Violence
Victorian authorities are actively investigating whether the synagogue fire is linked to another disturbing incident that same night. An Israeli restaurant in Melbourne was also targeted, suffering extensive damage in a disturbance that led to one arrest for hindering police. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry, a leading voice for the nation’s Jewish population, confirmed the significant damage to the restaurant.
The dual incidents on Friday night have heightened fears of coordinated, targeted violence against Jewish and Israeli-affiliated establishments in the city.
Leaders Condemn “Severe Hate Crimes”
The attacks drew swift and forceful condemnation from leaders both in Australia and abroad.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the alleged arson “shocking” and vowed that those responsible would “face the full force of the law.” In a post on X, he affirmed, “My Government will provide all necessary support toward this effort.”
The incident also prompted strong reactions from Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labeled the events as “severe hate crimes” that he views “with utmost gravity,” assuring the Australian Jewish community of Israel’s unwavering support.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog echoed these sentiments, condemning the “vile arson attack targeting Jews in Melbourne’s historic and oldest synagogue on the Sabbath.” He stressed the urgency of the situation, stating, “This is not the first such attack in Australia in recent months. But it must be the last.”
A Pattern of Rising Antisemitism in Australia
This alleged arson is not an isolated event. It follows another arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue just seven months ago and is part of a disturbing trend of antisemitism across the country.
In recent months, Jewish homes, schools, and vehicles have been defaced with antisemitic vandalism. The climate of fear was further amplified in March when police uncovered a fake plot by an organized crime group to stage a bomb attack on a Sydney synagogue, designed purely to divert police resources.
As the 34-year-old suspect faced court on Sunday, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the growing security concerns and rising tide of hate facing Australia’s Jewish community.
