Both Sides of Politics Condemn Arson Attack on Jewish Synagogue

Two members of the synagogue were forced to flee.

Workers assess the damage at the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne, Australia on Dec. 6, 2024. Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images

Recovery efforts are underway after a fire erupted at the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne’s east overnight following a firebomb attack that injured two people.

Two individuals wearing masks were reportedly seen at the scene pouring “gasoline around the entrance” while worshippers were inside.

Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) were called to the site at 4.18 a.m. on Dec. 6 after receiving a triple zero call report a “synagogue on fire.”

“Firefighters arrived on scene to find the single storey, 30 times, 20 metre building fully involved in fire,” the fire service said.

“The response was escalated to a third alarm with crews wearing breathing apparatus attacking the fire. The incident was deemed under control at 4.56 a.m. The train level crossing at Glen Eira Road currently remains blocked.”

At the time of the incident, the fire agency sent out an alert to the community warning them of building fire and visible smoke.

Victoria Police also attended the scene to investigate and assist the fire agency with operations.

Two People Evacuated With Minor Injuries

A FRV spokesperson confirmed with The Epoch Times, “Two people were evacuated by FRV firefighters and treated for minor injuries." 

Sixty firefighters attended the scene, while about 17 fire appliances were used to bring the fire under the control, according to FRV assistant Chief Fire Officer Brayden Sinnamon.

“Damage to the building is quite a lot, however crews worked amazingly to contain the fire so that no further damage was done to the extensions or other neighbouring buildings,” he told the ABC.

A police spokesman confirmed that the investigation is ongoing.

Police at the scene of a fire at the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea, Melbourne, Australia on Dec. 6, 2024. AAP Image/Con Chronis

Both Sides of Politics Condemn Attack

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he unequivocally condemned the attack on the Melbourne synagogue.

“I have zero tolerance for antisemitism. It has absolutely no place in Australia,” he said.

“This violence and intimidation and destruction at a place of worship is an outrage. This attack has risked lives and is clearly aimed at creating fear in the community.

Albanese said the people involved must be caught and face the full force of the law.

“I have been briefed by the AFP Commissioner this morning. The Commonwealth will provide full assistance to Victorian authorities.

“This deliberate, unlawful attack goes against everything we are as Australians and everything we have worked so hard to build as a nation.”

Labor Education Minister Jason Clare said it was clear it was “no accident.”

Members of the Synagogue recover items from the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne, Australia on Dec. 6, 2024. Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images

“This is a deliberate act of violence, an attack on a place of worship. Let’s call it out, there is no place for this in Australia. I hope that the police catch the perpetrators,” Clare told Channel 7.

Shadow Home Affairs Minister James Paterson described the situation as an “absolute travesty.”

“This is the realisation of the worst fears of many in the Jewish community. The perpetrators must face the full force of the law,” he said.

Victorian Premier Pledges $100,000 to Reconstruction

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allen pledged $100,000 towards re-building the synagogue, as well as stronger police patrols.

She also spruiked the anti-Vilification Bill, which would include the act of vilification in the Crimes Act.

“It should be a crime and it will give Victoria the strongest powers in the country to clamp and attack this vicious behaviour but also sends a very clear message that there is no place in Victoria,” the premier told reporters.

Deputy Victorian Liberal Leader and Member for Caulfield David Southwick said, “We are horrified by the devastating fire at the Adass Synagogue in Ripponlea.”

“I have spoken with community leaders and Victoria Police—and a full investigation is now underway. Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact Victoria Police,” he said.

Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Georgie Crozier called it an “appalling act and not what we want to see anywhere in Melbourne, Victoria and Australia.”

Jewish Groups Respond

The Australian Jewish Association (AJA) described the incident as “antisemitic terrorism in Australia.

“Confirmed torching of the large orthodox Jewish Adass synagogue in Melbourne., the AJA said.

“This attack is on an orthodox community, some might say ultra-orthodox. They are not known as being particularly Zionist.

“And our governments response? Condemn Israel, give millions to Hamas supporters locally and overseas, and import thousands from terrorist controlled Gaza with minimal security checks.”

Meanwhile, the Jewish Council of Australia said they were alarmed by reports of the “violent attack.”

The Council said they understand the incident took place while congregants were inside.

“This reprehensible act of violence is an attack not only on the synagogue but on Jewish communities more broadly. Our thoughts and prayers are with the congregants of Adass Israel Synagogue, and with all Jewish people who have been affected.” the Jewish Council of Australia said.

Executive Officer Max Kaiser said the Council sent their “solidarity and prayers” to the congregants of the synagogue.

“Now, more than ever, we remain committed to advocating for a society where diversity is celebrated, and all individuals and communities can live without fear of discrimination or violence.”

Meanwhile, Sarah Schwartz, also an executive officer at the Council, said acts of antisemitic violence were attacks on their collective values.

“This act of disgusting violence is not just an attack on one synagogue, but is an attack on Jewish communities more broadly. No one should be unsafe in a place of worship and I can only imagine the fear that these congregants would have felt,” she said.