How one Australian state has responded to a synagogue arson attack
The formation of the task force follows an arson attack on a synagogue in East Melbourne, where 20 worshippers inside escaped unharmed.
Police have arrested and charged a 34-year-old man in connection with the synagogue fire and are investigating whether the incident was an act of terrorism.
The Victorian government is drafting new legislation to ban face masks, the display of terror symbols, and devices used by protesters to attach themselves to objects.
Antisemitic incidents across Australia have escalated since October 2023, prompting the country to pass new anti-hate crime laws in February, including mandatory jail sentences for offences like giving a Nazi salute.
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