Melbourne: synagogue burned, investigation underway

Suspicion of anti-Semitic arson in Australia: a synagogue in Melbourne goes up in flames

The Adat Israel synagogue was set on fire by unknown assailants. According to reports in Australia, two masked individuals poured gasoline into the synagogue before setting it on fire. Two people were injured by smoke inhalation, and significant damage was caused. The Australian Prime Minister reacted: “I have no tolerance for anti-Semitism. »

The Adat Israel Synagogue in Melbourne, Australia, was set on fire early Friday morning (local time) by unknown assailants. Two people were injured by smoke inhalation, and a significant portion of the synagogue suffered major damage. The fire is suspected of being motivated by anti-Semitic intentions. Australian police have opened an investigation.

Testimonies and first findings

Australian media reported that access to the building is currently impossible, and all surrounding streets are closed. Residents said they were awakened at dawn by the sound of sirens on the street where the synagogue is located, only to discover the building in flames.

According to witnesses' testimonies, two masked individuals broke a window around 4 a.m. (local time), entered the synagogue, poured gasoline and set a fire before fleeing. Two faithful present for morning study before prayer immediately alerted the emergency services and firefighters.

Reports indicate that the part of the synagogue affected by the flames was totally destroyed, while the other part survived the fire, although it was engulfed in smoke, making access impossible.

Mobilization of relief

Local media reported that 17 fire trucks and 60 firefighters responded to the scene. Two people were taken to hospital due to smoke inhalation.

Official reactions

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese quickly condemned the incident:
“I have no tolerance for anti-Semitism. It has no place in Australia. This attack put lives at risk and was clearly aimed at instilling fear in the community. Those responsible must be apprehended. This targeted and illegal attack is contrary to everything we are as Australians and everything we have worked so hard to build as a nation. »

Benjamin Klein, a member of the synagogue leadership, told local media:
“We are in shock. We didn't think something like this could happen here. We are a peaceful community, we have not disturbed anyone. »

Brayden Cinnamon, fire chief at the scene, added: “The damage inside is quite significant. »

International reactions

The president of the World Zionist Organization, Yaakov Hagoel, also reacted to the incident: “Jewish blood is not a negligible thing! The attack on a synagogue in Melbourne, Australia, is a further reminder of the wave of anti-Semitism that has been growing across the world since October 7. We must demand that all world leaders unite in a determined and uncompromising fight against all manifestations of anti-Semitism to ensure the safety of Jews everywhere. »

According to the St. Kilda Historical Society's list of synagogues, this is not the first arson attack on the synagogue. The synagogue was badly damaged in an incident in January 1995 and was rebuilt.

JForum.fr with Ynet – Itamar Eichner and Moran Azulai and jns (counter)

The Adass Israel Ripponlea Synagogue in Melbourne, Australia, April 12, 2018. The community is made up of approximately 200 families who live in a one square kilometer block in the Ripponlea neighborhood. Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images.