Melbourne synagogue arson: Netanyahu condemns ‘reprehensible' antisemitic attack, PM Albanese vows action

Indian Express

8 hours ago

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described an antisemitic attack on a Melbourne synagogue as 'reprehensible' and called on Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to 'take all action' to stop similar hate crimes.
In a series of posts on X on Sunday morning, Netanyahu said that he views the antisemitic attacks 'with utmost gravity', reported The Guardian. '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,' he said.
Netanyahu urged the Australian government to take all necessary action 'to deal with the rioters to the fullest extent of the law.' He added, 'The State of Israel will continue to stand alongside the Australian Jewish community.'
Israeli President Isaac Herzog also condemned both incidents on X: 'I condemn outright the vile arson attack targeting Jews in Melbourne's historic and oldest synagogue on the Sabbath, and on an Israeli restaurant where people had come to enjoy a meal together.' He added, 'This is not the first such attack in Australia in recent months. But it must be the last.'
I condemn outright the vile arson attack targeting Jews in Melbourne's historic and oldest synagogue on the Sabbath, and on an Israeli restaurant where people had come to enjoy a meal together. It is intolerable that in 2025, we are still faced with the chilling image of an…
— יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) July 5, 2025
Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar joined in. 'There have been too many antisemitic attacks in Australia. The Australian government must do more to fight this toxic disease.'
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese responded late on Saturday, calling the alleged arson 'shocking' and vowing to ensure those responsible face justice. He wrote on X: 'Antisemitism has no place in Australia.' He pledged all necessary support and warned that those responsible for the event 'must face the full force of the law.'
Antisemitism has no place in Australia. Those responsible for the shocking acts in Melbourne last night must face the full force of the law and my Government will provide all necessary support toward this effort. pic.twitter.com/jyFO2odHgK
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) July 5, 2025
Australian police have charged a 34-year-old man from New South Wales in connection with an alleged arson attack on the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation synagogue on Friday night. According to police, the man entered the synagogue's grounds on Albert Street around 8pm, poured a flammable liquid on the front door, and set it on fire before fleeing the scene.
The synagogue was occupied by around 20 people at the time, gathered for Sabbath dinner. All were evacuated safely, and the fire was extinguished by firefighters. No injuries were reported.
According to Reuters, in a statement, the police said:
'The man allegedly poured a flammable liquid on the front door of the building and set it on fire before fleeing the scene.'
Counterterrorism detectives arrested the man late Saturday in Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, and charged him with criminal damage by fire. Authorities have not identified the man.
Police are investigating whether the synagogue attack is connected to a separate incident at Miznon, a Jewish-owned Israeli restaurant in Melbourne's CBD, which was also targeted on Friday night.
Rioters allegedly broke in, threw chairs and other objects, and chanted 'death to the IDF.' One person was arrested for hindering police.
(With inputs from The Guardian, BBC, Reuters)