Synagogue Fire in Melbourne: Arsonists Wearing Masks Set Building Ablaze
Pre-Dawn Attack Sparks Outrage and Condemnation
A synagogue in Melbourne, Australia was set ablaze in a pre-dawn attack on Friday, with police saying that the fire was deliberately lit by masked arsonists. The attack has sparked widespread condemnation and fear within the Jewish community.
The Attack
The fire broke out at 4:10 am (1710 GMT) in the Adass Israel Synagogue in the southeast Melbourne suburb of Ripponlea, with some congregants already inside. The blaze gutted much of the building, but no serious injuries were reported.
Eyewitness Account
A witness entering the synagogue for morning prayers saw "two individuals wearing masks" spreading an accelerant in the premises, said Detective Inspector Chris Murray of the Victorian police arson and explosive squad. "They appeared to be spreading an accelerant of some type in the premises," he said. The synagogue was "engulfed in flames," and police believe it was a deliberate attack.
Investigation
Police will increase patrols as they hunt for the arsonists, who were wearing dark clothing. Detectives will be reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing any witnesses, Murray said.
Community Reaction
A board member of the synagogue, Benjamin Klein, described the scene, saying that congregants were sitting and praying inside when the fire started. "They heard loud banging," he said. "Liquid was poured inside the synagogue and set alight. If this had happened an hour later, there would have been hundreds of people inside."
Klein said the community would "rebuild" and vowed that the synagogue would continue to serve as a place of worship and community.
Government Response
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese "unequivocally" condemned the fire, saying that the attack "risked lives and is clearly aimed at creating fear in the community." He also stated that he had "zero tolerance" for anti-Semitism and that it "has absolutely no place in Australia."
Context
The war in Gaza has sparked protests from supporters of Israel and Palestinians in cities around Australia, as in much of the world. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry president, Daniel Aghion, said the community had been living in fear of such an incident since the start of the war in Gaza.
FAQs
- What happened in the attack?
A: A synagogue in Melbourne, Australia was set on fire by masked arsonists. - How many people were inside the synagogue during the attack?
A: Some congregants were inside, but no serious injuries were reported. - What is the investigation finding?
A: Police are reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing witnesses to identify the arsonists. - What is the government’s response?
A: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned the attack and stated that he has "zero tolerance" for anti-Semitism.