Masked Men Set Melbourne's Adass Israel Synagogue on Fire; Prime Minister Condemns Antisemitic Attack

Dec 5, 2024, 10:11 PM

A synagogue in Melbourne, Australia, was significantly damaged in a suspected antisemitic arson attack early Friday morning, leaving two people injured, including one man who suffered burns to his hand. Witnesses reported that masked individuals knocked on the door before pouring petrol around the entrance of the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea and setting it ablaze. Holy books were destroyed in the fire, and more than 60 firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze, preventing further damage. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack, calling it "clearly an act of antisemitism" and declaring zero tolerance for such violence and intimidation at places of worship. Melbourne's Jewish community is in shock following the incident, which is under police investigation.