Police reiterate suspicion Adass Israel Synagogue arson was ‘politically-motivated' as new footage released
The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) has released images of those allegedly responsible for last year's Adass Israel Synagogue arson attack in Victoria, while also reiterating their suspicion it was 'a politically-motivated attack'.
It remains a terrorism investigation. In a statement, the JCTT said investigators had reviewed hundreds of hours of CCTV and were releasing footage to 'encourage members of the public, and those with knowledge of this crime, to come forward'.
Community leaders were told on Thursday morning that the footage would be released by police ahead of a press conference in the afternoon. Police also warned community leaders to prepare their congregation for the distressing vision.
A statement issued to the kehilla, which means congregation, by Adass leaders on Thursday morning advised police would 'be releasing footage from the shul recorded on the morning of the fire'.
'They will seeking public assistance if anyone recognises or can identify anything from the footage,' the statement said. 'They have warned that the footage may be confronting for members of our Kehilla. If you have any questions or require any support please be in touch with the Kehilla board.'
Police released the CCTV vision as part of a public appeal for information, detailing that it showed a 'blue Golf sedan drive past the Adass Israel Synagogue multiple times before parking outside the main entrance on 6 December 2024'.
Police said the footage then showed 'three individuals dressed in hoodies and masks get out of the vehicle and use an axe to damage the entrance of the synagogue', and 'at least two individuals commence pouring the contents of red jerry cans inside the entrance of the synagogue, before entering the building'.
'It shows the individuals making multiple trips to the Golf to get more jerry cans, which were poured inside the synagogue before the liquid was ignited.'
Police alleged the Golf was a stolen car that was also used in other offences before synagogue arson, including the Lux nightclub arson in South Yarra in November 2024, and an arson and shooting that occurred in Bundoora on the same night as the synagogue arson attack.
AFP assistant commissioner Stephen Nutt said police believed there were 'multiple offenders directly and indirectly linked to the synagogue arson'.
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