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Worshippers fled for their lives as Melbourne’s Adass Israel synagogue was set ablaze in a suspected arson attack early Friday morning.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the incident as an “act of hate” and pledged federal support to bring those responsible to justice.
Firefighters responded to the Ripponlea synagogue just after 04:00 local time (17:00 GMT Thursday) to find the building engulfed in flames. Police believe the fire was deliberately lit, though they have not yet determined a motive.
Community leaders reported that a small group had been inside for morning prayers when the attack occurred. Witnesses described firebombs being thrown into the building, which caused significant damage.
One person, identified as Yumi Friedman, sustained burns while attempting to return to the synagogue to combat the fire.
Friedman recounted the harrowing moments, saying that glass was flying when the window was smashed, and liquids were thrown in and lit. Board member Benjamin Klein added that the fire took off quickly after accelerants were spread.
Prime Minister Albanese described the attack as an outrage and vowed, “The people involved must be caught and face the full force of the law.”
“I have zero tolerance for anti-semitism,” he added, as he confirmed Australian Federal Police are supporting Victoria Police in the investigation.
Victoria Police said masked suspects were seen spreading accelerants inside the building. Authorities have appealed for witnesses or anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward. An arson chemist is set to examine the scene for further clues.
Jewish community leaders have linked the attack to a documented rise in anti-semitism across Australia. Daniel Aghion, president of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, stated, “None of the Jewish community is surprised. We’ve known this has been coming.”
Detective Inspector Chris Murray assured the public that significant resources are being committed to the case. “We’re going to do our best to make sure that they can return, as they should, to their local synagogues, doing what is absolutely Australian – that is to be able to worship without fear,” he said.
As police increase patrols in the area, the Jewish community is grappling with the aftermath of what leaders see as a troubling escalation of hate-motivated attacks.
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