Melbourne Shul Gutted in Arson Attack

Dec 6, 2024 1:54 pm | News, Ticker, Virtual Jerusalem

Masked assailants set fire to Adass Israel Synagogue; no serious injuries reported, holy books destroyed.

MELBOURNE, Australia — A devastating predawn arson attack targeted the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne’s Ripponlea suburb early Friday, leaving the building in ruins and shocking the local Jewish community. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese swiftly condemned the act as antisemitic, calling it “an outrage.”

Victoria Police Detective Inspector Chris Murray confirmed that two masked individuals were seen pouring accelerant inside the synagogue before setting it ablaze at approximately 4:10 a.m. The synagogue was quickly “engulfed in flames,” Murray stated. “We believe it was deliberate. We believe it has been targeted. What we don’t know is why.”

Around 60 firefighters and 17 fire trucks responded to the scene, but the fire caused extensive damage, leaving the interior completely destroyed. Holy books, furniture, and other sacred items were lost to the blaze.

Benjamin Klein, a board member of the synagogue, recounted the terrifying moments when a handful of congregants were praying inside. “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.” One congregant suffered burns to his hand while escaping the fire.

Prime Minister Albanese decried the attack, stating, “The violence and intimidation and destruction at a place of worship is something that we should never see in Australia. An attack on a synagogue is an act of antisemitism by definition.” He reaffirmed his government’s “zero tolerance” stance against antisemitism.

While police have yet to determine a motive, terrorism has not been ruled out. Authorities are working with counter-terrorism experts to identify the perpetrators, described as wearing dark clothing. Patrols around synagogues and Jewish schools in Melbourne have been increased as investigators analyze CCTV footage and interview witnesses.

Hours after the arson, police were called to a nearby Jewish bakery where a man wielding a hammer was reportedly threatening community members. The bakery, Glick’s, was temporarily locked down until police removed the individual. A Jewish community security organization provided on-site assistance.

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