Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demands Albanese government take stronger action against antisemitism after synagogue attack
The East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation was targeted on Friday Night when a man allegedly set fire to the synagogue while 20 people, including children, were inside.
There was also a group of 20 people protesting an Israel-owned restaurant at Melbourne's CBD, yelling what police described as 'offensive chants'.
'I view with utmost gravity the antisemitic attacks that occurred last night in Melbourne,' Mr Netanyahu said in a statement.
'The reprehensible antisemitic attacks, with calls of 'Death to the IDF' and an attempt to attack a place of worship, are severe hate crimes that must be uprooted.
'We demand that the Australian government take all action to deal with the rioters to the fullest extent of the law and prevent similar attacks in the future.'
Israel's call comes amid mounting pressure on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to address growing concerns from safety concerns in the Jewish Australian community.
Shadow trade minister Kevin Hogan told Sky News Sunday Agenda that the Albanese government is 'not doing enough' to combat antisemitism.
'That's not me saying that, that's them (Jewish people and organisations),' Mr Hogan said.
'And here we have another attack on Friday night, which, of course, adds to that concern and their safety fears.'
He urged the government to increase consultation with Jewish Australians and act on their recommendations.
'It's obvious the government is not enough. We need more action, because the Jewish community are telling us they want more action,' he said.
'I'd encourage the Prime Minister to talk more to the Jewish community. They have their thoughts and ideas about what they would like to see so they feel physically safe in their own country.'
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke visited the site of the Melbourne synagogue attack on Sunday, after expressing his 'horror' over the incident.
Detectives from Victoria Police's Counter Terrorism Security Investigation Unit have since arrested a 34-year-old NSW man over the synagogue attack.
The man allegedly poured a flammable liquid on the front door of the synagogue and set it on fire before fleeing the scene on foot.
About 20 people were inside the synagogue enjoying Shabbat dinner at the time of the attack, but they were safely evacuated out the back of the building.
Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, described the attack as a 'severe escalation' in threats facing the community.
'We urge all sides of politics and all Australians to condemn these deplorable crimes… Those responsible cannot be reasoned with or appeased,' he said.
'They must be confronted with the full force of the law.'
The attack follows a wave of antisemitic incidents across Australia since the Israel-Gaza war erupted in late 2023, including vandalism, threats, and a foiled bomb plot.
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