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'Deplorable': Melbourne synagogue attacked on same night as protest at Israeli restaurant

'Deplorable': Melbourne synagogue attacked on same night as protest at Israeli restaurant

SBS Australia3 days ago
Victoria Police is investigating after an arson attack at a synagogue that was carried out while worshippers were still inside. Police said a man entered the grounds of the inner-city synagogue in East Melbourne at about 8pm on Friday. He then poured a flammable liquid on the front door and set it alight before fleeing the scene. About 20 people were inside at the time, police said, and they were all evacuated without injury. The fire was contained to the front entrance. "There is absolutely no place in our society for antisemitic or hate-based behaviour," Victoria Police said in a statement. Two of the Adass Israel Synagogue's three buildings were destroyed in the early-morning blaze, which also forced members of the congregation to flee. No charges have been laid however counter-terrorism police have raided multiple properties as part of that investigation. In a statement on Thursday night, the Jewish Community Council of Victoria said "enough is enough". "Jewish Victorians will not be intimidated," it said. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan also condemned the attack, saying it was "disgraceful" and made "all the more abhorrent" by the fact it was carried out on Shabbat.
And state Liberal MP David Southwick wrote on social media: "The perpetrators and organisers must be found and brought to justice".
'Offensive chants' during protest at Israeli-owned restaurant Police have also condemned a group of about 20 people who protested at the Israeli-owned restaurant Miznon in Melbourne's CBD that same night. The force said the group shouted "offensive chants" and were directed to leave the area. One person was arrested and released on summons for hindering police, and several others were spoken to by investigators. Victoria Police said it supports the right of Victorians to protest peacefully but would not tolerate "anti-social and violent behaviour" witnessed. Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-CEO Alex Ryvchin said the incidents marked "a return to the antisemitic terror of the summer months". "These events are a severe escalation directed towards our community and clear evidence that the antisemitism crisis is not only continuing, but getting worse," Ryvchin said in a statement. "We urge all sides of politics and all Australians to condemn these deplorable crimes."
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