As the world cooks, why have our political leaders gone cold on global warming?
In climate circles, Francis is remembered for Laudato Si, his second encyclical letter to the faithful, subtitled 'On Care for Our Common Home'. It is a 184-page treatise lamenting climate change and the destruction of the earth and its environmental systems in support of reckless consumerism.
Its publication in 2015 helped secure the 2016 Paris Accord, signed by almost every nation on earth, which pledged to hold global warming to less than two degrees and as close as possible to 1.5 degrees. But it had other political impacts. It drove what is sometimes referred to as the 'Francis effect' in the US, hardening the views of right-wing Catholics against his papacy, including his calls for climate action. Their support helped Donald Trump secure his second term, which he is using to dismantle climate action domestically and to disrupt it internationally.
An anti-Francis faction is now seeking to make the Vatican great again with a right-wing pope. 'The hope is to have a pontificate that concentrates more on Catholic issues, such as pro-life and family, rather than climate change and immigration,' Princess Gloria von Thurn und Taxis, a German aristocrat and a prominent member of a right-wing push Europe and the US, told Politico this week.
Born in Argentina, Francis never returned to his country of origin throughout his papacy. Despite Francis's climate advocacy, Argentina is now led by Javier Milei, a right-wing populist and climate sceptic who flirts with abandoning the Paris Accord.
On Monday, Canada reinstalled Mark Carney as prime minister. Carney is a former governor of the central banks of Canada and England, but in climate circles he is known for an address made at Lloyds of London in 2015, often referred to as his 'tragedy of the horizon' speech.
He warned global financial institutions that climate change presented a real and overwhelming economic threat. Though its impacts would be most devastating to future generations, it could be addressed only by our own. This was the tragedy.
The speech is credited with catalysing a tectonic shift in the view of the financial sector to climate risk. Carney's advocacy would later help secure the Glasgow Climate Pact at 2021 world climate talks, accelerating actions to achieve the Paris goals. Optimists believed that the financial sector's engagement would serve as a bulwark against backsliding politicians. Banks, insurance companies and even the fossil fuel giants came on board with ambitious investment and emission reduction targets of their own.
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Sydney Morning Herald
9 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Police reveal identity of man charged over East Melbourne Synagogue fire
A group of about 20 people, some masked and wearing Palestinian keffiyeh scarves, entered the CBD Israeli restaurant, Miznon, at 8.15pm. They shouted offensive chants, scuffling with staff and knocking over tables, before police arrived and arrested one man. Footage from the Miznon incident shows diners screaming in fear inside the Hardware Lane restaurant, which is part-owned by an Israeli entrepreneur who has been promoting a controversial aid group in Gaza. A police source, who cannot be identified speaking about operational matters, said at least one of those who invaded the restaurant was part of a group known to counter-terrorism police for sometimes organising left-wing protests that turned violent. Victoria Police declined to comment on the identity of the person or the nature of the groups involved . A police spokesperson said investigations were ongoing into the incident at Miznon. Police are also investigating a third incident, where three cars were set on fire and the wall of a business in Melbourne's north-east was spray-painted with graffiti against the Israeli military about 4.30am on Saturday. The vandalised business, Lovitt Technologies Australia, on Para Road in Greensborough, is a weapons company with links to Israel and had previously been targeted by protesters opposing the Israeli military. The business was contacted for comment. Police condemn string of incidents No one was injured in any of the incidents and none were deemed terrorism, but Victoria Police Commander Zorka Dunstan said on Saturday that officers would investigate the motives of those involved. 'The investigation is under the security investigation unit, who is part of our counterterrorism command. The security investigation unit investigates matters of communal violence,' Dunstan said. 'We do recognise that these crimes are disgusting and abhorrent, but at this stage, we are not declaring this a terrorist incident. In the course of our investigation, we will examine the intent and the ideology of the persons involved or person to determine if this is, in fact, terrorism.' Dunstan alleged that the three incidents all had 'inferences of antisemitism' or anti-Israel protest activity, but investigators had yet to find a connection between them. 'We are taking all three incidents incredibly seriously. There's no place in Australia for hatred or discrimination of any kind, and we condemn it.' In addition to the significant police presence in the CBD for Sunday's pro-Palestine protests, officers are providing proactive patrols in the areas around the attacks. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Jacinta Allan both condemned the attacks on Saturday. Loading 'Antisemitism has no place in Australia,' Albanese said. 'Those responsible for these shocking acts must face the full force of the law, and my government will provide all necessary support toward this effort.' Allan said: 'This is disgraceful behaviour by a pack of cowards. That this happened on Shabbat makes it all the more abhorrent.' Restaurant targeted after calls for boycott About the same time the synagogue was set alight on Friday night, police said a splinter group of about 20 people broke off from a larger anti-police protest in Melbourne's CBD and walked to the Israeli restaurant on Hardware Lane, where they shouted offensive chants. An independent photographer at the scene said the group asked patrons why they were giving money to the restaurant. The group chanted 'death to the IDF' and 'Miznon out of Melbourne', the photographer said. Pro-Palestine protesters have been calling for a boycott of Miznon after it emerged that one of its part-owners, Israeli entrepreneur Shahar Segal, is also a spokesman for the controversial aid group Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. This week, the Associated Press reported that American contractors were using live ammunition and stun grenades to guard Gaza Humanitarian Foundation aid distribution sites while hungry Palestinians scrambled for food. Loading Nina Sanadze, a Jewish gallery owner and friend of Miznon's owners, went straight to the restaurant after receiving a call on Friday night. When she arrived, police had blocked the street and Miznon staff were sweeping away broken glass and remnants of tomatoes thrown at the windows. Inside, Sanadze said, staff were 'hugging, crying and shaking'. 'It was a very, very scary experience.' Sanadze said that when the group arrived, the restaurant's managers tried to 'step in and push the protesters out', directing customers to the back of the restaurant. 'It was hard for customers to do anything,' she said. 'I think the brawl broke out because people were actually trying to stand up and say, 'go away'.' After closing the doors, Miznon managers apologised to their shaken staff for the ordeal and carried on with their usual Friday tradition of Shabbat, lighting candles, singing Jewish songs and eating challah. 'We were not in the mood to eat, it was more of a thing of tradition and resilience to stand together,' Sanadze said. Sanadze emphasised that Miznon's workers were a mix of nationalities and that the restaurant 'has nothing to do with the [Israeli Defence Forces] or anyone over there'. A 28-year-old person from Footscray was arrested 'for hindering police and has been released on summons' over the restaurant incident, police said. Loading Dunstan said there was not enough evidence to arrest anyone else, but the identities of those involved had been recorded as investigations continued and police combed social media and CCTV footage. Incidents follow string of attacks The 'death to the IDF' chant was also heard in Melbourne's Bourke Street Mall during last Sunday's regular anti-Israel protest, and shouted from the Glastonbury stage in the UK by rap duo Bob Vylan in its controversial performance. The attack follows the firebombing in December that gutted the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea. Counterterrorism police later revealed that the attack involved 'criminals for hire' and a known underworld getaway car, but have yet to rule terrorism in or out. Dunstan did not have further information on that investigation. In a separate incident last month, vandals targeted a historic synagogue in South Yarra. Attackers used red paint to scrawl 'free Palestine' and 'Iran is da bomb', set inside the outline of a nuclear mushroom cloud, on the heritage-listed synagogue.
The Advertiser
10 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Man faces court over 'cowardly' attack on synagogue
The identity of a man accused of firebombing a synagogue has been revealed, as a series of alleged anti-Semitic attacks at several other locations draws international attention. Angelo Loras, 34, from Toongabbie in NSW, was arrested in Melbourne's CBD on Saturday night, about 24 hours after the front doors of the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation were allegedly set alight, forcing 20 people to flee. He has been charged multiple offences including reckless conduct endangering life, criminal damage by fire and possession of a controlled weapon. The 34-year-old appeared in Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Sunday, where the court was told it was his first time in custody. He was remanded until a hearing on July 22. Detectives will investigate the accused man's intent and ideology to determine if the incident was an act of terrorism. Police are also investigating another alleged act of anti-Semitism on the same night, when protesters who splintered from a larger demonstration allegedly smashed a window, flipped tables, threw chairs and chanted "death to the IDF" outside Israeli restaurant Miznon. Hours later, offenders spray-painted three cars and a wall outside a Greensborough business in Melbourne's northeast before setting fire to the vehicles, destroying one and damaging two. Police have revealed they are investigating a fourth incident where offenders used stencils to spray paint offensive images on pillars at a busy intersection and a number of walls in Elsternwick. It came as hundreds gathered for a pro-Palestine rally in Melbourne on Sunday. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned "reprehensible anti-Semitic attacks" on both the Melbourne synagogue and restaurant. He urged the federal government to "take all action" against those responsible. None of the incidents have been declared terrorism-related but the force is increasing patrols around the synagogue and in the city's southeast. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, former attorney-general Mark Dreyfus and Melbourne MP Sarah Witty met with the synagogue's Rabbi Dovid Gutnick, president Danny Segal and his wife on Sunday morning. Mr Burke and Mr Dreyfus described the firebombing as an "attack on Australia" and the entire community. Mr Burke stopped short of declaring the alleged arson attack an act of terrorism, saying it would be up to Victoria Police to decide. He refused to be drawn on Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's demand the Australian government "take all action to deal with the rioters to the fullest extent of the law". Mr Burke said he spoke with the Israeli Ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon on Saturday night as news filtered through of plans for him to fly from Sydney for the Sunday's meeting. The ambassador took it as a signal of the government taking Friday's attacks very seriously, Mr Burke said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the synagogue arson as a "cowardly" act of violence and anti-Semitism and said the attacks on the restaurant and business were unacceptable. The federal government has offered federal police and security and intelligence agency support to investigators. "Those responsible for these shocking acts must face the full force of the law," he said. Victorian opposition police spokesman and Jewish MP David Southwick criticised Premier Jacinta Allan, who condemned the attacks in a statement, for not fronting the media over the weekend. "Where is the premier," he asked. "The Jewish community feel like there is a war zone here in Melbourne." Ms Allan is expected to visit the synagogue on Monday. The attacks come seven months after a blaze destroyed two buildings at the Adass Israel Synagogue in the city's south and forced worshippers inside to flee. The identity of a man accused of firebombing a synagogue has been revealed, as a series of alleged anti-Semitic attacks at several other locations draws international attention. Angelo Loras, 34, from Toongabbie in NSW, was arrested in Melbourne's CBD on Saturday night, about 24 hours after the front doors of the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation were allegedly set alight, forcing 20 people to flee. He has been charged multiple offences including reckless conduct endangering life, criminal damage by fire and possession of a controlled weapon. The 34-year-old appeared in Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Sunday, where the court was told it was his first time in custody. He was remanded until a hearing on July 22. Detectives will investigate the accused man's intent and ideology to determine if the incident was an act of terrorism. Police are also investigating another alleged act of anti-Semitism on the same night, when protesters who splintered from a larger demonstration allegedly smashed a window, flipped tables, threw chairs and chanted "death to the IDF" outside Israeli restaurant Miznon. Hours later, offenders spray-painted three cars and a wall outside a Greensborough business in Melbourne's northeast before setting fire to the vehicles, destroying one and damaging two. Police have revealed they are investigating a fourth incident where offenders used stencils to spray paint offensive images on pillars at a busy intersection and a number of walls in Elsternwick. It came as hundreds gathered for a pro-Palestine rally in Melbourne on Sunday. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned "reprehensible anti-Semitic attacks" on both the Melbourne synagogue and restaurant. He urged the federal government to "take all action" against those responsible. None of the incidents have been declared terrorism-related but the force is increasing patrols around the synagogue and in the city's southeast. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, former attorney-general Mark Dreyfus and Melbourne MP Sarah Witty met with the synagogue's Rabbi Dovid Gutnick, president Danny Segal and his wife on Sunday morning. Mr Burke and Mr Dreyfus described the firebombing as an "attack on Australia" and the entire community. Mr Burke stopped short of declaring the alleged arson attack an act of terrorism, saying it would be up to Victoria Police to decide. He refused to be drawn on Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's demand the Australian government "take all action to deal with the rioters to the fullest extent of the law". Mr Burke said he spoke with the Israeli Ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon on Saturday night as news filtered through of plans for him to fly from Sydney for the Sunday's meeting. The ambassador took it as a signal of the government taking Friday's attacks very seriously, Mr Burke said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the synagogue arson as a "cowardly" act of violence and anti-Semitism and said the attacks on the restaurant and business were unacceptable. The federal government has offered federal police and security and intelligence agency support to investigators. "Those responsible for these shocking acts must face the full force of the law," he said. Victorian opposition police spokesman and Jewish MP David Southwick criticised Premier Jacinta Allan, who condemned the attacks in a statement, for not fronting the media over the weekend. "Where is the premier," he asked. "The Jewish community feel like there is a war zone here in Melbourne." Ms Allan is expected to visit the synagogue on Monday. The attacks come seven months after a blaze destroyed two buildings at the Adass Israel Synagogue in the city's south and forced worshippers inside to flee. The identity of a man accused of firebombing a synagogue has been revealed, as a series of alleged anti-Semitic attacks at several other locations draws international attention. Angelo Loras, 34, from Toongabbie in NSW, was arrested in Melbourne's CBD on Saturday night, about 24 hours after the front doors of the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation were allegedly set alight, forcing 20 people to flee. He has been charged multiple offences including reckless conduct endangering life, criminal damage by fire and possession of a controlled weapon. The 34-year-old appeared in Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Sunday, where the court was told it was his first time in custody. He was remanded until a hearing on July 22. Detectives will investigate the accused man's intent and ideology to determine if the incident was an act of terrorism. Police are also investigating another alleged act of anti-Semitism on the same night, when protesters who splintered from a larger demonstration allegedly smashed a window, flipped tables, threw chairs and chanted "death to the IDF" outside Israeli restaurant Miznon. Hours later, offenders spray-painted three cars and a wall outside a Greensborough business in Melbourne's northeast before setting fire to the vehicles, destroying one and damaging two. Police have revealed they are investigating a fourth incident where offenders used stencils to spray paint offensive images on pillars at a busy intersection and a number of walls in Elsternwick. It came as hundreds gathered for a pro-Palestine rally in Melbourne on Sunday. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned "reprehensible anti-Semitic attacks" on both the Melbourne synagogue and restaurant. He urged the federal government to "take all action" against those responsible. None of the incidents have been declared terrorism-related but the force is increasing patrols around the synagogue and in the city's southeast. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, former attorney-general Mark Dreyfus and Melbourne MP Sarah Witty met with the synagogue's Rabbi Dovid Gutnick, president Danny Segal and his wife on Sunday morning. Mr Burke and Mr Dreyfus described the firebombing as an "attack on Australia" and the entire community. Mr Burke stopped short of declaring the alleged arson attack an act of terrorism, saying it would be up to Victoria Police to decide. He refused to be drawn on Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's demand the Australian government "take all action to deal with the rioters to the fullest extent of the law". Mr Burke said he spoke with the Israeli Ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon on Saturday night as news filtered through of plans for him to fly from Sydney for the Sunday's meeting. The ambassador took it as a signal of the government taking Friday's attacks very seriously, Mr Burke said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the synagogue arson as a "cowardly" act of violence and anti-Semitism and said the attacks on the restaurant and business were unacceptable. The federal government has offered federal police and security and intelligence agency support to investigators. "Those responsible for these shocking acts must face the full force of the law," he said. Victorian opposition police spokesman and Jewish MP David Southwick criticised Premier Jacinta Allan, who condemned the attacks in a statement, for not fronting the media over the weekend. "Where is the premier," he asked. "The Jewish community feel like there is a war zone here in Melbourne." Ms Allan is expected to visit the synagogue on Monday. The attacks come seven months after a blaze destroyed two buildings at the Adass Israel Synagogue in the city's south and forced worshippers inside to flee. The identity of a man accused of firebombing a synagogue has been revealed, as a series of alleged anti-Semitic attacks at several other locations draws international attention. Angelo Loras, 34, from Toongabbie in NSW, was arrested in Melbourne's CBD on Saturday night, about 24 hours after the front doors of the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation were allegedly set alight, forcing 20 people to flee. He has been charged multiple offences including reckless conduct endangering life, criminal damage by fire and possession of a controlled weapon. The 34-year-old appeared in Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Sunday, where the court was told it was his first time in custody. He was remanded until a hearing on July 22. Detectives will investigate the accused man's intent and ideology to determine if the incident was an act of terrorism. Police are also investigating another alleged act of anti-Semitism on the same night, when protesters who splintered from a larger demonstration allegedly smashed a window, flipped tables, threw chairs and chanted "death to the IDF" outside Israeli restaurant Miznon. Hours later, offenders spray-painted three cars and a wall outside a Greensborough business in Melbourne's northeast before setting fire to the vehicles, destroying one and damaging two. Police have revealed they are investigating a fourth incident where offenders used stencils to spray paint offensive images on pillars at a busy intersection and a number of walls in Elsternwick. It came as hundreds gathered for a pro-Palestine rally in Melbourne on Sunday. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned "reprehensible anti-Semitic attacks" on both the Melbourne synagogue and restaurant. He urged the federal government to "take all action" against those responsible. None of the incidents have been declared terrorism-related but the force is increasing patrols around the synagogue and in the city's southeast. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, former attorney-general Mark Dreyfus and Melbourne MP Sarah Witty met with the synagogue's Rabbi Dovid Gutnick, president Danny Segal and his wife on Sunday morning. Mr Burke and Mr Dreyfus described the firebombing as an "attack on Australia" and the entire community. Mr Burke stopped short of declaring the alleged arson attack an act of terrorism, saying it would be up to Victoria Police to decide. He refused to be drawn on Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's demand the Australian government "take all action to deal with the rioters to the fullest extent of the law". Mr Burke said he spoke with the Israeli Ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon on Saturday night as news filtered through of plans for him to fly from Sydney for the Sunday's meeting. The ambassador took it as a signal of the government taking Friday's attacks very seriously, Mr Burke said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the synagogue arson as a "cowardly" act of violence and anti-Semitism and said the attacks on the restaurant and business were unacceptable. The federal government has offered federal police and security and intelligence agency support to investigators. "Those responsible for these shocking acts must face the full force of the law," he said. Victorian opposition police spokesman and Jewish MP David Southwick criticised Premier Jacinta Allan, who condemned the attacks in a statement, for not fronting the media over the weekend. "Where is the premier," he asked. "The Jewish community feel like there is a war zone here in Melbourne." Ms Allan is expected to visit the synagogue on Monday. The attacks come seven months after a blaze destroyed two buildings at the Adass Israel Synagogue in the city's south and forced worshippers inside to flee.
The Advertiser
13 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Netanyahu condemns 'reprehensible anti-Semitic attacks'
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned "reprehensible anti-Semitic attacks" on a Melbourne synagogue and restaurant. A western Sydney man has been arrested over the synagogue blaze, which senior politicians described as an "attack on Australia". The 34-year-old is accused of dousing the building's front door with flammable liquid and setting it alight, forcing 20 congregants to flee the East Melbourne synagogue on Friday night. He was arrested in Melbourne's CBD on Saturday and charged with reckless conduct endangering life, criminal damage by fire and possession of a controlled weapon. The man is due to appear in court on Sunday. Detectives will investigate the accused man's intent and ideology to determine if the incident was an act of terrorism. Police are also investigating another alleged act of anti-Semitism the same night, when protesters who had splintered from a larger demonstration allegedly smashed a window, flipped tables, threw chairs, and chanted "death to the IDF" outside Israeli restaurant Miznon. Hours later, offenders spray-painted three cars and a wall outside a Greensborough business in Melbourne's northeast before setting fire to the vehicles, destroying one and damaging two. The Israeli prime minister urged the federal government to "take all action" against those responsible. None of the incidents have been declared terrorism-related but the force is increasing patrols around the synagogue and in the city's southeast. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, former attorney-general Mark Dreyfus and Melbourne MP Sarah Witty met with the synagogue's Rabbi Dovid Gutnick, president Danny Segal and his wife on Sunday morning. Mr Burke and Mr Dreyfus, who is Jewish, described the firebombing as an "attack on Australia" and the entire community. "Let's make sure that this never happens again," Mr Dreyfus told reporters. Mr Burke stopped short of declaring the alleged arson attack an act of terrorism, saying it would be up to Victoria Police to decide. He refused to be drawn on Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's demand the Australian government "take all action to deal with the rioters to the fullest extent of the law"." Mr Burke said he spoke with the Israeli Ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon on Saturday night as news filtered through of plans for him to fly from Sydney for the Sunday's meeting. The ambassador took it as a signal of the government taking Friday's attacks very seriously, Mr Burke said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the synagogue arson as a "cowardly" act of violence and anti-Semitism and said the attacks on the restaurant and business were unacceptable. The federal government has offered federal police and security and intelligence agency support to investigators. "Those responsible for these shocking acts must face the full force of the law," he said. The attacks come seven months after a blaze destroyed two buildings at the Adass Israel Synagogue in the city's south and forced worshippers inside to flee. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned "reprehensible anti-Semitic attacks" on a Melbourne synagogue and restaurant. A western Sydney man has been arrested over the synagogue blaze, which senior politicians described as an "attack on Australia". The 34-year-old is accused of dousing the building's front door with flammable liquid and setting it alight, forcing 20 congregants to flee the East Melbourne synagogue on Friday night. He was arrested in Melbourne's CBD on Saturday and charged with reckless conduct endangering life, criminal damage by fire and possession of a controlled weapon. The man is due to appear in court on Sunday. Detectives will investigate the accused man's intent and ideology to determine if the incident was an act of terrorism. Police are also investigating another alleged act of anti-Semitism the same night, when protesters who had splintered from a larger demonstration allegedly smashed a window, flipped tables, threw chairs, and chanted "death to the IDF" outside Israeli restaurant Miznon. Hours later, offenders spray-painted three cars and a wall outside a Greensborough business in Melbourne's northeast before setting fire to the vehicles, destroying one and damaging two. The Israeli prime minister urged the federal government to "take all action" against those responsible. None of the incidents have been declared terrorism-related but the force is increasing patrols around the synagogue and in the city's southeast. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, former attorney-general Mark Dreyfus and Melbourne MP Sarah Witty met with the synagogue's Rabbi Dovid Gutnick, president Danny Segal and his wife on Sunday morning. Mr Burke and Mr Dreyfus, who is Jewish, described the firebombing as an "attack on Australia" and the entire community. "Let's make sure that this never happens again," Mr Dreyfus told reporters. Mr Burke stopped short of declaring the alleged arson attack an act of terrorism, saying it would be up to Victoria Police to decide. He refused to be drawn on Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's demand the Australian government "take all action to deal with the rioters to the fullest extent of the law"." Mr Burke said he spoke with the Israeli Ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon on Saturday night as news filtered through of plans for him to fly from Sydney for the Sunday's meeting. The ambassador took it as a signal of the government taking Friday's attacks very seriously, Mr Burke said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the synagogue arson as a "cowardly" act of violence and anti-Semitism and said the attacks on the restaurant and business were unacceptable. The federal government has offered federal police and security and intelligence agency support to investigators. "Those responsible for these shocking acts must face the full force of the law," he said. The attacks come seven months after a blaze destroyed two buildings at the Adass Israel Synagogue in the city's south and forced worshippers inside to flee. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned "reprehensible anti-Semitic attacks" on a Melbourne synagogue and restaurant. A western Sydney man has been arrested over the synagogue blaze, which senior politicians described as an "attack on Australia". The 34-year-old is accused of dousing the building's front door with flammable liquid and setting it alight, forcing 20 congregants to flee the East Melbourne synagogue on Friday night. He was arrested in Melbourne's CBD on Saturday and charged with reckless conduct endangering life, criminal damage by fire and possession of a controlled weapon. The man is due to appear in court on Sunday. Detectives will investigate the accused man's intent and ideology to determine if the incident was an act of terrorism. Police are also investigating another alleged act of anti-Semitism the same night, when protesters who had splintered from a larger demonstration allegedly smashed a window, flipped tables, threw chairs, and chanted "death to the IDF" outside Israeli restaurant Miznon. Hours later, offenders spray-painted three cars and a wall outside a Greensborough business in Melbourne's northeast before setting fire to the vehicles, destroying one and damaging two. The Israeli prime minister urged the federal government to "take all action" against those responsible. None of the incidents have been declared terrorism-related but the force is increasing patrols around the synagogue and in the city's southeast. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, former attorney-general Mark Dreyfus and Melbourne MP Sarah Witty met with the synagogue's Rabbi Dovid Gutnick, president Danny Segal and his wife on Sunday morning. Mr Burke and Mr Dreyfus, who is Jewish, described the firebombing as an "attack on Australia" and the entire community. "Let's make sure that this never happens again," Mr Dreyfus told reporters. Mr Burke stopped short of declaring the alleged arson attack an act of terrorism, saying it would be up to Victoria Police to decide. He refused to be drawn on Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's demand the Australian government "take all action to deal with the rioters to the fullest extent of the law"." Mr Burke said he spoke with the Israeli Ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon on Saturday night as news filtered through of plans for him to fly from Sydney for the Sunday's meeting. The ambassador took it as a signal of the government taking Friday's attacks very seriously, Mr Burke said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the synagogue arson as a "cowardly" act of violence and anti-Semitism and said the attacks on the restaurant and business were unacceptable. The federal government has offered federal police and security and intelligence agency support to investigators. "Those responsible for these shocking acts must face the full force of the law," he said. The attacks come seven months after a blaze destroyed two buildings at the Adass Israel Synagogue in the city's south and forced worshippers inside to flee. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned "reprehensible anti-Semitic attacks" on a Melbourne synagogue and restaurant. A western Sydney man has been arrested over the synagogue blaze, which senior politicians described as an "attack on Australia". The 34-year-old is accused of dousing the building's front door with flammable liquid and setting it alight, forcing 20 congregants to flee the East Melbourne synagogue on Friday night. He was arrested in Melbourne's CBD on Saturday and charged with reckless conduct endangering life, criminal damage by fire and possession of a controlled weapon. The man is due to appear in court on Sunday. Detectives will investigate the accused man's intent and ideology to determine if the incident was an act of terrorism. Police are also investigating another alleged act of anti-Semitism the same night, when protesters who had splintered from a larger demonstration allegedly smashed a window, flipped tables, threw chairs, and chanted "death to the IDF" outside Israeli restaurant Miznon. Hours later, offenders spray-painted three cars and a wall outside a Greensborough business in Melbourne's northeast before setting fire to the vehicles, destroying one and damaging two. The Israeli prime minister urged the federal government to "take all action" against those responsible. None of the incidents have been declared terrorism-related but the force is increasing patrols around the synagogue and in the city's southeast. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, former attorney-general Mark Dreyfus and Melbourne MP Sarah Witty met with the synagogue's Rabbi Dovid Gutnick, president Danny Segal and his wife on Sunday morning. Mr Burke and Mr Dreyfus, who is Jewish, described the firebombing as an "attack on Australia" and the entire community. "Let's make sure that this never happens again," Mr Dreyfus told reporters. Mr Burke stopped short of declaring the alleged arson attack an act of terrorism, saying it would be up to Victoria Police to decide. He refused to be drawn on Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's demand the Australian government "take all action to deal with the rioters to the fullest extent of the law"." Mr Burke said he spoke with the Israeli Ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon on Saturday night as news filtered through of plans for him to fly from Sydney for the Sunday's meeting. The ambassador took it as a signal of the government taking Friday's attacks very seriously, Mr Burke said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the synagogue arson as a "cowardly" act of violence and anti-Semitism and said the attacks on the restaurant and business were unacceptable. The federal government has offered federal police and security and intelligence agency support to investigators. "Those responsible for these shocking acts must face the full force of the law," he said. The attacks come seven months after a blaze destroyed two buildings at the Adass Israel Synagogue in the city's south and forced worshippers inside to flee.
