Arsonists have caused extensive damage to a synagogue in the city of Melbourne on Friday in what Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese has condemned as an anti-Semitic attack.
The fire broke out at 4:10 am in the Adass Israel Synagogue when some congregants were already inside, police said, gutting much of the building in the southeast Melbourne
Witnesses who came to the synagogue for early morning prayers claimed they saw “two individuals wearing masks” spreading a liquid accelerant with brooms inside the building, Detective Inspector Chris Murray of Victoria Police told reporters at the scene.
Speaking to reporters in the city of Perth after the Adass Israel Synagogue was engulfed in flame, .Albanese said, “There is no place in Australia for an outrage such as this. “To attack a synagogue is an act of antisemitism, is attacking the right that all Australians should have to practice their faith in peace and security.”
No serious injuries have been reported.
Israel’s ambassador to Australia, Amir Maimon, has also condemned the attack on his ‘X’ handle describing the act as “heinous”.
Maimon also noted that dozens of pro-Palestinian activists staged a three-hour protest outside The Great Synagogue in downtown Sydney on Wednesday, demanding sanctions against Israel, according to the Associated Press. Worshippers were prevented from leaving the synagogue during the demonstration.
The Jewish Community Council of Victoria has expressed their solidarity with the victims and their families in these times, offering prayers for their speedy and complete recovery.
Additionally, they have extended their support to the wider Jewish community as it begins towards healing from this tragic incident.
