A historic synagogue was firebombed during Shabbat prayers. Soon after, masked attackers stormed an Israeli-owned restaurant, and antisemitic graffiti and vehicle arson struck a Jewish precinct—prompting widespread outrage and urgent action.

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by Shayan Gutman, VJ Staff Writer

MELBOURNE — In a deeply disturbing escalation of hate, Melbourne’s Jewish community was rocked by a series of targeted antisemitic attacks over the weekend. What began as a quiet Shabbat evening erupted into a night of fear and trauma as a synagogue was set ablaze, an Israeli restaurant was violently stormed, and Jewish-linked property was vandalized and torched.

The first attack occurred around 8 p.m. Friday at the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation, the oldest synagogue in Victoria and a central part of Melbourne’s Jewish heritage. Worshippers were gathered for a traditional Shabbat dinner when a man was seen on security cameras approaching the building’s ornate wooden doors. He poured accelerant on them and set them on fire. Inside, about 20 congregants, including children, were enjoying a peaceful evening until someone noticed smoke seeping through the front. Panic set in as the flames grew. Worshippers were quickly ushered out through a rear exit as emergency services rushed to the scene.

Firefighters managed to contain the blaze before it spread to the sanctuary, but the entrance was left charred and blackened. No injuries were reported, though those present were visibly shaken. Rabbi Dovid Gutnick, who was leading the service that evening, described the moment as terrifying. He said the fire was “a direct attack on our right to worship freely” and noted that the fear in the children’s eyes was something he would not soon forget.

The following morning, police arrested 34-year-old Angelo Loras from New South Wales in connection with the arson. He has been charged with multiple offenses, including arson, reckless conduct endangering life, and criminal damage. Investigators are now exploring whether the attack was ideologically motivated and are considering terrorism-related charges.

Only an hour after the synagogue incident, a second attack took place in Melbourne’s city centre. Miznon, a popular Israeli-owned restaurant on Hardware Lane, was bustling with patrons when a group of approximately 20 masked individuals stormed the venue. Witnesses reported tables being flipped, glass shattered, and anti-Israel slogans shouted, including chants referring to the Israeli military. Diners fled in panic, and several staff members locked themselves in a back room until police arrived. One man was arrested for hindering officers; the rest of the group had already dispersed by the time authorities secured the scene.

Though no one was physically harmed, the restaurant was left in disarray, and staff described the incident as deeply traumatic. The targeting of the business—owned and operated by Israeli nationals—has been condemned as a politically charged act of intimidation.

Early the next morning, in the northern suburb of Greensborough, a third act of antisemitic violence unfolded. Security footage captured five hooded individuals vandalizing a wall with antisemitic graffiti and setting fire to three parked vehicles outside a Jewish-owned business. One car was completely destroyed, while two others sustained heavy damage. The attack occurred in the pre-dawn hours, and though no injuries were reported, residents in the area were left alarmed and dismayed.

The series of events—arson, violent protest, and vandalism—have prompted a strong response from political leaders at both the state and federal levels. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan condemned the attacks as “sickening” and announced the formation of a new Anti-Hate Taskforce. The taskforce will explore legal reforms around protest restrictions near religious institutions, strengthen anti-vilification laws, and ensure increased protection for vulnerable communities. She also visited the synagogue to express her support and promised additional mental health services, especially for children affected by the trauma.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the attacks as “abhorrent” and confirmed federal involvement through the Australian Federal Police and national security agencies. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke warned that importing conflict-driven hatred from abroad posed a growing threat to Australia’s social fabric.

From Israel, leaders including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog condemned the Melbourne attacks and called on Australia to take firm action. Jewish organizations in Australia, including the Executive Council of Australian Jewry and the Jewish Community Council of Victoria, have echoed that call, citing a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents nationwide since late 2023.

According to Jewish community security bodies, more than 2,000 antisemitic incidents—including threats, vandalism, and harassment—have been recorded across Australia in the past year. Analysts say tensions tied to the ongoing Israel–Hamas conflict have exacerbated domestic hate speech and emboldened extremists.

Naomi Levin, CEO of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria, said the community is experiencing a level of fear not seen in decades. She noted that many Jewish residents are now reluctant to wear religious symbols in public or attend synagogue, fearing they could be targeted next.

Despite the trauma, community leaders are urging unity and resilience. Interfaith groups have planned a solidarity event for the coming weekend, with open synagogue visits and community vigils intended to foster healing and reaffirm multicultural harmony.

For Rabbi Gutnick, the message is clear. “We will not let hatred define us,” he said. “We will continue to gather, to pray, to be proud of who we are. That is how we respond to this kind of darkness—by standing in the light.”

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