Australian authorities launched a manhunt on Friday for two individuals suspected of setting fire to a Melbourne synagogue. One person suffered smoke inhalation, and the blaze caused significant damage.
Sky News Australia broadcast images of worshippers praying with Torah scrolls salvaged from the charred building. While police have not yet officially determined the motive, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was unequivocal. "To attack a place of worship is an attack on Australian values. To attack a synagogue is an act of antisemitism," he said.
Melbourne synagogue set on fire in arson attack
Albanese emphasized that the attack endangered lives and was intended to instill fear within the Jewish community. He added that it runs counter to the principles upon which Australians have built their nation. He confirmed the involvement of the anti-terrorism unit in the investigation.
Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan echoed the condemnation, describing the attack as antisemitic. She noted that the synagogue’s congregation includes many Hungarian Holocaust survivors. Allan pledged 100,000 Australian dollars ($63,000 USD) for repairs and announced heightened police patrols in the area. However, her response faced public frustration, with some questioning her control over the state, prompting her to leave the scene after interruptions.
Witnesses reported that around 4:10 a.m. local time, two masked individuals smashed a window, entered the synagogue, doused it in gasoline and set it ablaze before fleeing. Two worshippers inside, preparing for morning study, promptly alerted emergency services.
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Benjamin Klein, a member of the synagogue's board, expressed disbelief: "I’m absolutely shocked. We didn’t think this could happen here in Melbourne to us. We are a quiet community, we keep our heads down and we don’t bother anybody.”
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Religious artifacts salvaged from a Melbourne synagogue set on fire in an arson attack
(Photo: Asanka Ratnayake / Getty Images)
5 View gallery
A Torah scroll salvaged from a Melbourne synagogue set on fire in an arson attack
(Photo: Tania Lee / AFP)
President Isaac Herzog condemned the attack in a conversation with Albanese. "Following the atrocities carried out by Hamas against Israel on and since October 7, 2023, there has been an intolerable wave of attacks on Jewish communities in Australia and around the world," Herzog said in a statement.
He urged firm action against antisemitism and thanked Albanese for his commitment to combating hate. Herzog expressed confidence in Australian law enforcement to bring the perpetrators to justice.