A synagogue in Melbourne was set on fire early Friday morning, causing significant damage to one section of the building. No injuries were reported, but authorities are investigating the attack as a suspected antisemitic hate crime.
According to local media, the Adass Israel synagogue, Australia's largest, was damaged by a "suspicious fire," with "zero access to the building" and surrounding streets cordoned off. Residents said they awoke to the sound of sirens and discovered the Adass Israel synagogue engulfed in flames.
Witnesses reported that at approximately 4:10 a.m. local time, two masked individuals smashed a window, entered the synagogue, poured gasoline and ignited the fire before fleeing. Two worshippers inside the building, preparing for early morning study before prayers, alerted emergency services.
Seventeen fire trucks and 60 firefighters responded to the scene, battling the blaze for hours. Two people were hospitalized for smoke inhalation, authorities confirmed.
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Assistant Chief Fire Officer with Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) Brayden Sinnamon described the damage as "quite significant," with one section of the synagogue completely destroyed. Another part of the building was heavily affected by smoke, making it inaccessible. The condition of the synagogue's Torah scrolls remains unclear.
Benjamin Klein, a member of the synagogue's board, expressed disbelief: "I'm absolutely shocked. We didn't think it will happen here in Melbourne to us. We are a quiet community, we have our heads down, we don't bother anybody, we wish everybody well."
The attack has drawn international condemnation. Yaakov Hagoel, chairman of the World Zionist Organization, said: "Jewish blood is not cheap. The attack on a synagogue in Melbourne is yet another reminder of the surge in antisemitic incidents globally since October 7. World leaders must unite in an uncompromising fight against all forms of antisemitism to ensure the safety of Jewish communities everywhere."
Police have launched an investigation and are reviewing security footage to identify the perpetrators.