Arsonists wound two after setting Melbourne synagogue ablaze

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 told reporters on Friday morning that the fire was "deliberately-lit."

He added that a witness, who was attending morning prayers, saw two individuals wearing masks who appeared to be spreading an accelerant of some type. Murray reassured the public that the police would do everything they could to bring those responsible before the courts once identified.

"I unequivocally condemn the attack on a Melbourne synagogue," Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, noting, "I have zero tolerance for antisemitism. It has absolutely no place in Australia."

"The violence and intimidation and destruction at a place of worship is an outrage. This attack has risked lives and is clearly aimed at creating fear in the community," he added.

Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) crews were called to the scene around 4:10 a.m., finding the single-story synagogue engulfed in flames. According to ABC News, 60 firefighters and 17 firetrucks worked tirelessly to bring the fire under control within an hour. Assistant Chief Fire Officer Brayden Sinnamon praised the firefighters' efforts, noting that on the building and set it ablaze. "It was terrifying," a witness told 7News, adding that the attackers fled immediately after igniting the fire.

The two suspects broke into the synagogue through a glass window and were seen setting fire to flammable material inside, an eye witness recounted.

The synagogue, located on Glen Eira Avenue, sustained significant structural damage.

The majority of the damage was caused in the Sephardi section of the synagogue, according to the eyewitness.

“The synagogue did sustain significant damage, so a crime scene has been established,” a representative of Victoria’s police department told ABC radio.

Victoria Police have declared the site a crime scene, with the arson squad leading the investigation. Detective Darcy Sword told ABC Radio Melbourne that the cause of the fire is still undetermined, but authorities are treating it as suspicious. 

The fire has disrupted the surrounding area, with the road closed temporarily and the nearby train level crossing blocked during the emergency response. A community advice warning was issued for smoke in neighboring suburbs, though the situation has since been brought under control.

Jewish community leaders expressed their deep concern over the incident. CCTV footage from the site has been handed over to police to aid the investigation, according to a Jewish leader present at the scene. "This is not just an attack on a building; it’s an attack on a community," the leader said.

The attack comes at a time of heightened tension, as Australia’s recent vote at the United Nations supporting a resolution calling for Israel to withdraw from the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem has sparked criticism from Israeli officials. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the vote as "disappointing" and warned it could "invite more terrorism," according to The Australian.

The fire has left the Adass Israel community and the broader Jewish population in Melbourne grappling with fear and uncertainty. Many are calling for increased security around synagogues and other Jewish institutions in light of this suspected arson.

'Shocking escalation of hate'

Israel's foreign minister Gideon Sa'ar said he was appalled by attack and stressed that "antisemitism must be relentlessly confronted."

"I urge Australian authorities to act swiftly and ensure the despicable perpetrators are brought to justice," he added.

Chairman of the World Zionist Organization Yaakov Hagoel responded to what he said was "the antisemitic attack on a synagogue in Melbourne, Australia."

In a statement, Hagoel said, "Jewish blood must not be spilled in vain.The attack on a synagogue in Melbourne serves as a stark reminder of the escalating wave of antisemitism that has spread with alarming intensity across the globe since October 7."

Hagoel added, "It is imperative for world leaders to come together and take a resolute, uncompromising stand against all forms of antisemitism to ensure the safety and security of Jewish communities everywhere."

"The firebombing of a synagogue in Melbourne appears to be another shocking escalation of the hate that we have seen brazenly displayed on the streets of Melbourne every week for over a year," Jeremy Leibler, president of the Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) shared in an Instagram post. 

Israel's president, Isaac Herzog, spoke with Leibler on Friday morning to express solidarity with the community, and to condemn the "abhorrent antisemitic arson attack." He called on Australian leaders to similarly condemn this "vile act of terror" and to "combat the intolerable rise of anti-Jewish racism worldwide."

Melbourne, Australia The synagogue was fire bombed and doused in petrol while there were Jews in side.This is what they mean when they say “Globalise the Intifada”This is the Anti-Israel movement.pic.twitter.com/7DrQAeiEJf

— Kosher (@koshercockney) December 6, 2024

"No one should be surprised; this violent attack is a direct consequence of words turning into actions. Jew-hatred, left unchecked, endangers all Australians. Enough is enough; this is a stain on our nation. It's time for all levels of government to turn their words into actions to stamp out this Jew-hatred," he added. 

Executive Manager of the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC), Joel Burnie, said, "This appalling attack recalls some of the darkest episodes of human history.

"Attacking a synagogue does not only profane a sacred place, it is the ultimate expression of hatred for the entire Jewish community. Desecrating sacred spaces also undermines our social fabric and cohesion as well as the foundation of our liberal democratic and multicultural society," he added. 

Deputy Inspector Murray added that he was personally worried about the increase in antisemitism, and that increased patrols in the community were a "given."

"We have a great relationship with the local Jewish community," he added.