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The Advertiser
08-07-2025
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Double standards claim over synagogue attack response
Political leaders have been accused of double standards on Palestinian Australians as action is taken over a spate of incidents involving Jewish institutions. Worshippers were forced to flee the East Melbourne Synagogue after it was firebombed on the same night Israeli restaurant Miznon in the CBD was targeted by pro-Palestine protesters. Sydney man Angelo Loras, 34, has been charged over Friday night's synagogue firebombing. A state task force has been announced to tackle hate and examine police powers after the incidents, as federal leaders promise more action to protect Jewish Australians. Palestinian Australians have accused leaders of political silence, suspicion, hostility or surveillance when it comes to their plight and say they are met with protest crackdowns and threatened with repressive laws. "There have been no task forces, no public statements of care for Palestinians as they watch their loved ones massacred by the genocidal state of Israel, or are targeted by anti-Palestinian racism here in Australia," Australian Palestine Advocacy Network president Nasser Mashni said. Mr Mashni demanded political leaders stop criminalising Palestinian resistance, grief and political expression and engage in meaningful consultation and inclusion in decisions that affect their lives and rights. "The longer political leaders ignore and avoid us, the more obvious their double standards become," he said. Miznon's owners have spoken of the "profound impact" of the incident on Friday. The demonstration outside the Hardware Lane restaurant ended with protesters smashing a glass door, up-ending tables and throwing chairs. About 20 protesters converged on the restaurant, some chanting "death to the IDF" in reference to the Israel Defence Force. Police on Tuesday charged a 50-year-old Richmond man, a 48-year-old Footscray woman and a 28-year-old Essendon woman with assault, affray, riotous behaviour and criminal damage after another person was arrested and then released for hindering police that night. The restaurant said the actions of a few had caused much distress to customers, patrons and staff in neighbouring restaurants. "We respect everyone's right to their own nationality and religion. We ask for the same," the owners said in an Instagram post. Whistleblowers, Activists and Communities Alliance has taken responsibility for the protest. Victoria Police has rejected claims its officers were told not to confront protesters at the restaurant. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley spoke to community members and inspected the damage during a visit to the synagogue on Tuesday. She urged the prime minister to convene a national cabinet meeting and wants the government to reveal its plans to protect Jewish Australians. Anthony Albanese has flagged more action from his government as it works with a special envoy on anti-Semitism, but he pushed back against hosting a national cabinet, saying people want action instead of more meetings. Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion urged Victorian authorities to disallow weekly pro-Palestine protests in their current form and bring in protest zones. Premier Jacinta Allan labelled the weekly rally "odious" but said protesting was part of democracy. Protest organisers stressed they were opposed to the Israeli occupation of Gaza and leaders needed to distinguish between the IDF and Australia's Jewish community. The Jewish Council of Australia denounced the synagogue attack but said it was "irresponsible and inflammatory" to link the anti-Semitic act with legitimate protests. Separate offenders on Saturday spray-painted cars with anti-Semitic "inferences" then set them alight in the city's northeast, while a fourth incident involved offensive images spray-painted on pillars and walls near a Holocaust museum in Elsternwick. Political leaders have been accused of double standards on Palestinian Australians as action is taken over a spate of incidents involving Jewish institutions. Worshippers were forced to flee the East Melbourne Synagogue after it was firebombed on the same night Israeli restaurant Miznon in the CBD was targeted by pro-Palestine protesters. Sydney man Angelo Loras, 34, has been charged over Friday night's synagogue firebombing. A state task force has been announced to tackle hate and examine police powers after the incidents, as federal leaders promise more action to protect Jewish Australians. Palestinian Australians have accused leaders of political silence, suspicion, hostility or surveillance when it comes to their plight and say they are met with protest crackdowns and threatened with repressive laws. "There have been no task forces, no public statements of care for Palestinians as they watch their loved ones massacred by the genocidal state of Israel, or are targeted by anti-Palestinian racism here in Australia," Australian Palestine Advocacy Network president Nasser Mashni said. Mr Mashni demanded political leaders stop criminalising Palestinian resistance, grief and political expression and engage in meaningful consultation and inclusion in decisions that affect their lives and rights. "The longer political leaders ignore and avoid us, the more obvious their double standards become," he said. Miznon's owners have spoken of the "profound impact" of the incident on Friday. The demonstration outside the Hardware Lane restaurant ended with protesters smashing a glass door, up-ending tables and throwing chairs. About 20 protesters converged on the restaurant, some chanting "death to the IDF" in reference to the Israel Defence Force. Police on Tuesday charged a 50-year-old Richmond man, a 48-year-old Footscray woman and a 28-year-old Essendon woman with assault, affray, riotous behaviour and criminal damage after another person was arrested and then released for hindering police that night. The restaurant said the actions of a few had caused much distress to customers, patrons and staff in neighbouring restaurants. "We respect everyone's right to their own nationality and religion. We ask for the same," the owners said in an Instagram post. Whistleblowers, Activists and Communities Alliance has taken responsibility for the protest. Victoria Police has rejected claims its officers were told not to confront protesters at the restaurant. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley spoke to community members and inspected the damage during a visit to the synagogue on Tuesday. She urged the prime minister to convene a national cabinet meeting and wants the government to reveal its plans to protect Jewish Australians. Anthony Albanese has flagged more action from his government as it works with a special envoy on anti-Semitism, but he pushed back against hosting a national cabinet, saying people want action instead of more meetings. Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion urged Victorian authorities to disallow weekly pro-Palestine protests in their current form and bring in protest zones. Premier Jacinta Allan labelled the weekly rally "odious" but said protesting was part of democracy. Protest organisers stressed they were opposed to the Israeli occupation of Gaza and leaders needed to distinguish between the IDF and Australia's Jewish community. The Jewish Council of Australia denounced the synagogue attack but said it was "irresponsible and inflammatory" to link the anti-Semitic act with legitimate protests. Separate offenders on Saturday spray-painted cars with anti-Semitic "inferences" then set them alight in the city's northeast, while a fourth incident involved offensive images spray-painted on pillars and walls near a Holocaust museum in Elsternwick. Political leaders have been accused of double standards on Palestinian Australians as action is taken over a spate of incidents involving Jewish institutions. Worshippers were forced to flee the East Melbourne Synagogue after it was firebombed on the same night Israeli restaurant Miznon in the CBD was targeted by pro-Palestine protesters. Sydney man Angelo Loras, 34, has been charged over Friday night's synagogue firebombing. A state task force has been announced to tackle hate and examine police powers after the incidents, as federal leaders promise more action to protect Jewish Australians. Palestinian Australians have accused leaders of political silence, suspicion, hostility or surveillance when it comes to their plight and say they are met with protest crackdowns and threatened with repressive laws. "There have been no task forces, no public statements of care for Palestinians as they watch their loved ones massacred by the genocidal state of Israel, or are targeted by anti-Palestinian racism here in Australia," Australian Palestine Advocacy Network president Nasser Mashni said. Mr Mashni demanded political leaders stop criminalising Palestinian resistance, grief and political expression and engage in meaningful consultation and inclusion in decisions that affect their lives and rights. "The longer political leaders ignore and avoid us, the more obvious their double standards become," he said. Miznon's owners have spoken of the "profound impact" of the incident on Friday. The demonstration outside the Hardware Lane restaurant ended with protesters smashing a glass door, up-ending tables and throwing chairs. About 20 protesters converged on the restaurant, some chanting "death to the IDF" in reference to the Israel Defence Force. Police on Tuesday charged a 50-year-old Richmond man, a 48-year-old Footscray woman and a 28-year-old Essendon woman with assault, affray, riotous behaviour and criminal damage after another person was arrested and then released for hindering police that night. The restaurant said the actions of a few had caused much distress to customers, patrons and staff in neighbouring restaurants. "We respect everyone's right to their own nationality and religion. We ask for the same," the owners said in an Instagram post. Whistleblowers, Activists and Communities Alliance has taken responsibility for the protest. Victoria Police has rejected claims its officers were told not to confront protesters at the restaurant. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley spoke to community members and inspected the damage during a visit to the synagogue on Tuesday. She urged the prime minister to convene a national cabinet meeting and wants the government to reveal its plans to protect Jewish Australians. Anthony Albanese has flagged more action from his government as it works with a special envoy on anti-Semitism, but he pushed back against hosting a national cabinet, saying people want action instead of more meetings. Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion urged Victorian authorities to disallow weekly pro-Palestine protests in their current form and bring in protest zones. Premier Jacinta Allan labelled the weekly rally "odious" but said protesting was part of democracy. Protest organisers stressed they were opposed to the Israeli occupation of Gaza and leaders needed to distinguish between the IDF and Australia's Jewish community. The Jewish Council of Australia denounced the synagogue attack but said it was "irresponsible and inflammatory" to link the anti-Semitic act with legitimate protests. Separate offenders on Saturday spray-painted cars with anti-Semitic "inferences" then set them alight in the city's northeast, while a fourth incident involved offensive images spray-painted on pillars and walls near a Holocaust museum in Elsternwick. Political leaders have been accused of double standards on Palestinian Australians as action is taken over a spate of incidents involving Jewish institutions. Worshippers were forced to flee the East Melbourne Synagogue after it was firebombed on the same night Israeli restaurant Miznon in the CBD was targeted by pro-Palestine protesters. Sydney man Angelo Loras, 34, has been charged over Friday night's synagogue firebombing. A state task force has been announced to tackle hate and examine police powers after the incidents, as federal leaders promise more action to protect Jewish Australians. Palestinian Australians have accused leaders of political silence, suspicion, hostility or surveillance when it comes to their plight and say they are met with protest crackdowns and threatened with repressive laws. "There have been no task forces, no public statements of care for Palestinians as they watch their loved ones massacred by the genocidal state of Israel, or are targeted by anti-Palestinian racism here in Australia," Australian Palestine Advocacy Network president Nasser Mashni said. Mr Mashni demanded political leaders stop criminalising Palestinian resistance, grief and political expression and engage in meaningful consultation and inclusion in decisions that affect their lives and rights. "The longer political leaders ignore and avoid us, the more obvious their double standards become," he said. Miznon's owners have spoken of the "profound impact" of the incident on Friday. The demonstration outside the Hardware Lane restaurant ended with protesters smashing a glass door, up-ending tables and throwing chairs. About 20 protesters converged on the restaurant, some chanting "death to the IDF" in reference to the Israel Defence Force. Police on Tuesday charged a 50-year-old Richmond man, a 48-year-old Footscray woman and a 28-year-old Essendon woman with assault, affray, riotous behaviour and criminal damage after another person was arrested and then released for hindering police that night. The restaurant said the actions of a few had caused much distress to customers, patrons and staff in neighbouring restaurants. "We respect everyone's right to their own nationality and religion. We ask for the same," the owners said in an Instagram post. Whistleblowers, Activists and Communities Alliance has taken responsibility for the protest. Victoria Police has rejected claims its officers were told not to confront protesters at the restaurant. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley spoke to community members and inspected the damage during a visit to the synagogue on Tuesday. She urged the prime minister to convene a national cabinet meeting and wants the government to reveal its plans to protect Jewish Australians. Anthony Albanese has flagged more action from his government as it works with a special envoy on anti-Semitism, but he pushed back against hosting a national cabinet, saying people want action instead of more meetings. Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion urged Victorian authorities to disallow weekly pro-Palestine protests in their current form and bring in protest zones. Premier Jacinta Allan labelled the weekly rally "odious" but said protesting was part of democracy. Protest organisers stressed they were opposed to the Israeli occupation of Gaza and leaders needed to distinguish between the IDF and Australia's Jewish community. The Jewish Council of Australia denounced the synagogue attack but said it was "irresponsible and inflammatory" to link the anti-Semitic act with legitimate protests. Separate offenders on Saturday spray-painted cars with anti-Semitic "inferences" then set them alight in the city's northeast, while a fourth incident involved offensive images spray-painted on pillars and walls near a Holocaust museum in Elsternwick.
7NEWS
08-07-2025
- Politics
- 7NEWS
Three charged after Israeli restaurant Miznon allegedly targeted by protesters in Melbourne CBD
The owners of an Israeli restaurant that was targeted by protesters have broken their silence, detailing the 'profound impact' of the incident as police charge more people over it. The demonstration outside Miznon in Melbourne's CBD on Friday was one of several incidents targeting Melbourne's Jewish community in recent days, with protesters smashing a window, upending tables and throwing chairs. About 20 protesters converged on the restaurant, some chanting 'death to the IDF' in reference to the Israel Defence Force. Police on Tuesday charged a 50-year-old Richmond man, a 48-year-old Footscray woman and a 28-year-old Essendon woman with assault, affray, riotous behaviour and criminal damage after another person was arrested and then released for hindering police that night. The restaurant said the actions of a few had caused much distress to customers, patrons and staff in neighbouring restaurants. 'The events on Friday evening had a profound impact on our restaurant and staff,' the owners said in an Instagram post. 'We are a restaurant, a place of hospitality, of warmth and welcome ... we respect everyone's right to their own nationality and religion. We ask for the same.' The group Whistleblowers, Activists and Communities Alliance has taken responsibility for the protest, saying the venue was chosen because the owner was a spokesperson for an Israeli aid organisation that 'weaponised aid'. 'While politicians in so-called Australia clutch their pearls over one meal that was interrupted, we ask people to refocus their attention on Israel's genocidal reign of terror over the Palestinians,' the group said on Instagram. Victoria Police has rejected claims its officers were told not to confront the protesters at the restaurant and an independent officer will review the overall response. A state task force has been announced to tackle hate and examine police powers after a string of incidents including an arson on the East Melbourne Synagogue that forced 20 worshippers inside to flee. Sydney man Angelo Loras, 34, has been charged over the firebombing. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley visited the synagogue on Tuesday where she spoke to community members and inspected the damage. She urged the prime minister to convene a national cabinet meeting of state and territory policing authorities and wants the government to reveal its plans to protect Jewish Australians. Ley said she supported a national anti-hate unit but there had already been plenty of taskforces and talkfests. Anthony Albanese has flagged more action from his government as it works with a special envoy on anti-Semitism but pushed back against hosting a national cabinet. 'Let's be clear. What people want is not a meeting. They want action,' the prime minister told reporters in Hobart. Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion urged Victorian authorities to disallow weekly pro-Palestine protests in their current form and bring in protest zones. Premier Jacinta Allan labelled the weekly rally 'odious' but said protesting was part of democracy. Protest organisers stressed they were opposed to the Israeli occupation of Gaza and leaders needed to distinguish between the IDF and Australia's Jewish community. The Australian Palestine Advocacy Network condemned the 'smear' against peaceful protesters and rejected efforts to undermine protest by fixating on slogans while Israel bombs refugee camps and blocks food aid. The Jewish Council of Australia denounced the synagogue attack but said it was 'irresponsible and inflammatory' to link the anti-Semitic act with legitimate protests. Separate offenders on Saturday spray-painted cars with anti-Semitic 'inferences' then set them alight in the city's northeast, while a fourth incident involved offensive images spray-painted on pillars and walls near a Holocaust museum in Elsternwick.
The Advertiser
08-07-2025
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Charges laid amid restaurant's distress over protest
The owners of an Israeli restaurant that was targeted by protesters have broken their silence, detailing the "profound impact" of the incident as police charge more people over the incident. The demonstration outside Miznon in Melbourne's CBD on Friday was one of several incidents targeting Melbourne's Jewish community in recent days, with protesters smashing a window, upending tables and throwing chairs. About 20 protesters converged on the restaurant, some chanting "death to the IDF" in reference to the Israel Defence Force. Police on Tuesday charged a 50-year-old Richmond man, a 48-year-old Footscray woman and a 28-year-old Essendon woman with assault, affray, riotous behaviour and criminal damage after another person was arrested and then released for hindering police that night. The restaurant said the actions of a few had caused much distress to customers, patrons and staff in neighbouring restaurants. "The events on Friday evening had a profound impact on our restaurant and staff," the owners said in an Instagram post. "We are a restaurant, a place of hospitality, of warmth and welcome ... we respect everyone's right to their own nationality and religion. We ask for the same." The group Whistleblowers, Activists and Communities Alliance has taken responsibility for the protest, saying the venue was chosen because the owner was a spokesperson for an Israeli aid organisation that "weaponised aid". "While politicians in so-called Australia clutch their pearls over one meal that was interrupted, we ask people to refocus their attention on Israel's genocidal reign of terror over the Palestinians," the group said on Instagram. Victoria Police has rejected claims its officers were told not to confront the protesters at the restaurant and an independent officer will review the overall response. A state task force has been announced to tackle hate and examine police powers after a string of incidents including an arson on the East Melbourne Synagogue that forced 20 worshippers inside to flee. Sydney man Angelo Loras, 34, has been charged over the firebombing. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley visited the synagogue on Tuesday where she spoke to community members and inspected the damage. She urged the prime minister to convene a national cabinet meeting of state and territory policing authorities and wants the government to reveal its plans to protect Jewish Australians. Ms Ley said she supported a national anti-hate unit but there had already been plenty of taskforces and talkfests. Anthony Albanese has flagged more action from his government as it works with a special envoy on anti-Semitism but pushed back against hosting a national cabinet. "Let's be clear. What people want is not a meeting. They want action," the prime minister told reporters in Hobart. Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion urged Victorian authorities to disallow weekly pro-Palestine protests in their current form and bring in protest zones. Premier Jacinta Allan labelled the weekly rally "odious" but said protesting was part of democracy. Protest organisers stressed they were opposed to the Israeli occupation of Gaza and leaders needed to distinguish between the IDF and Australia's Jewish community. The Australian Palestine Advocacy Network condemned the "smear" against peaceful protesters and rejected efforts to undermine protest by fixating on slogans while Israel bombs refugee camps and blocks food aid. The Jewish Council of Australia denounced the synagogue attack but said it was "irresponsible and inflammatory" to link the anti-Semitic act with legitimate protests. Separate offenders on Saturday spray-painted cars with anti-Semitic "inferences" then set them alight in the city's northeast, while a fourth incident involved offensive images spray-painted on pillars and walls near a Holocaust museum in Elsternwick. The owners of an Israeli restaurant that was targeted by protesters have broken their silence, detailing the "profound impact" of the incident as police charge more people over the incident. The demonstration outside Miznon in Melbourne's CBD on Friday was one of several incidents targeting Melbourne's Jewish community in recent days, with protesters smashing a window, upending tables and throwing chairs. About 20 protesters converged on the restaurant, some chanting "death to the IDF" in reference to the Israel Defence Force. Police on Tuesday charged a 50-year-old Richmond man, a 48-year-old Footscray woman and a 28-year-old Essendon woman with assault, affray, riotous behaviour and criminal damage after another person was arrested and then released for hindering police that night. The restaurant said the actions of a few had caused much distress to customers, patrons and staff in neighbouring restaurants. "The events on Friday evening had a profound impact on our restaurant and staff," the owners said in an Instagram post. "We are a restaurant, a place of hospitality, of warmth and welcome ... we respect everyone's right to their own nationality and religion. We ask for the same." The group Whistleblowers, Activists and Communities Alliance has taken responsibility for the protest, saying the venue was chosen because the owner was a spokesperson for an Israeli aid organisation that "weaponised aid". "While politicians in so-called Australia clutch their pearls over one meal that was interrupted, we ask people to refocus their attention on Israel's genocidal reign of terror over the Palestinians," the group said on Instagram. Victoria Police has rejected claims its officers were told not to confront the protesters at the restaurant and an independent officer will review the overall response. A state task force has been announced to tackle hate and examine police powers after a string of incidents including an arson on the East Melbourne Synagogue that forced 20 worshippers inside to flee. Sydney man Angelo Loras, 34, has been charged over the firebombing. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley visited the synagogue on Tuesday where she spoke to community members and inspected the damage. She urged the prime minister to convene a national cabinet meeting of state and territory policing authorities and wants the government to reveal its plans to protect Jewish Australians. Ms Ley said she supported a national anti-hate unit but there had already been plenty of taskforces and talkfests. Anthony Albanese has flagged more action from his government as it works with a special envoy on anti-Semitism but pushed back against hosting a national cabinet. "Let's be clear. What people want is not a meeting. They want action," the prime minister told reporters in Hobart. Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion urged Victorian authorities to disallow weekly pro-Palestine protests in their current form and bring in protest zones. Premier Jacinta Allan labelled the weekly rally "odious" but said protesting was part of democracy. Protest organisers stressed they were opposed to the Israeli occupation of Gaza and leaders needed to distinguish between the IDF and Australia's Jewish community. The Australian Palestine Advocacy Network condemned the "smear" against peaceful protesters and rejected efforts to undermine protest by fixating on slogans while Israel bombs refugee camps and blocks food aid. The Jewish Council of Australia denounced the synagogue attack but said it was "irresponsible and inflammatory" to link the anti-Semitic act with legitimate protests. Separate offenders on Saturday spray-painted cars with anti-Semitic "inferences" then set them alight in the city's northeast, while a fourth incident involved offensive images spray-painted on pillars and walls near a Holocaust museum in Elsternwick. The owners of an Israeli restaurant that was targeted by protesters have broken their silence, detailing the "profound impact" of the incident as police charge more people over the incident. The demonstration outside Miznon in Melbourne's CBD on Friday was one of several incidents targeting Melbourne's Jewish community in recent days, with protesters smashing a window, upending tables and throwing chairs. About 20 protesters converged on the restaurant, some chanting "death to the IDF" in reference to the Israel Defence Force. Police on Tuesday charged a 50-year-old Richmond man, a 48-year-old Footscray woman and a 28-year-old Essendon woman with assault, affray, riotous behaviour and criminal damage after another person was arrested and then released for hindering police that night. The restaurant said the actions of a few had caused much distress to customers, patrons and staff in neighbouring restaurants. "The events on Friday evening had a profound impact on our restaurant and staff," the owners said in an Instagram post. "We are a restaurant, a place of hospitality, of warmth and welcome ... we respect everyone's right to their own nationality and religion. We ask for the same." The group Whistleblowers, Activists and Communities Alliance has taken responsibility for the protest, saying the venue was chosen because the owner was a spokesperson for an Israeli aid organisation that "weaponised aid". "While politicians in so-called Australia clutch their pearls over one meal that was interrupted, we ask people to refocus their attention on Israel's genocidal reign of terror over the Palestinians," the group said on Instagram. Victoria Police has rejected claims its officers were told not to confront the protesters at the restaurant and an independent officer will review the overall response. A state task force has been announced to tackle hate and examine police powers after a string of incidents including an arson on the East Melbourne Synagogue that forced 20 worshippers inside to flee. Sydney man Angelo Loras, 34, has been charged over the firebombing. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley visited the synagogue on Tuesday where she spoke to community members and inspected the damage. She urged the prime minister to convene a national cabinet meeting of state and territory policing authorities and wants the government to reveal its plans to protect Jewish Australians. Ms Ley said she supported a national anti-hate unit but there had already been plenty of taskforces and talkfests. Anthony Albanese has flagged more action from his government as it works with a special envoy on anti-Semitism but pushed back against hosting a national cabinet. "Let's be clear. What people want is not a meeting. They want action," the prime minister told reporters in Hobart. Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion urged Victorian authorities to disallow weekly pro-Palestine protests in their current form and bring in protest zones. Premier Jacinta Allan labelled the weekly rally "odious" but said protesting was part of democracy. Protest organisers stressed they were opposed to the Israeli occupation of Gaza and leaders needed to distinguish between the IDF and Australia's Jewish community. The Australian Palestine Advocacy Network condemned the "smear" against peaceful protesters and rejected efforts to undermine protest by fixating on slogans while Israel bombs refugee camps and blocks food aid. The Jewish Council of Australia denounced the synagogue attack but said it was "irresponsible and inflammatory" to link the anti-Semitic act with legitimate protests. Separate offenders on Saturday spray-painted cars with anti-Semitic "inferences" then set them alight in the city's northeast, while a fourth incident involved offensive images spray-painted on pillars and walls near a Holocaust museum in Elsternwick. The owners of an Israeli restaurant that was targeted by protesters have broken their silence, detailing the "profound impact" of the incident as police charge more people over the incident. The demonstration outside Miznon in Melbourne's CBD on Friday was one of several incidents targeting Melbourne's Jewish community in recent days, with protesters smashing a window, upending tables and throwing chairs. About 20 protesters converged on the restaurant, some chanting "death to the IDF" in reference to the Israel Defence Force. Police on Tuesday charged a 50-year-old Richmond man, a 48-year-old Footscray woman and a 28-year-old Essendon woman with assault, affray, riotous behaviour and criminal damage after another person was arrested and then released for hindering police that night. The restaurant said the actions of a few had caused much distress to customers, patrons and staff in neighbouring restaurants. "The events on Friday evening had a profound impact on our restaurant and staff," the owners said in an Instagram post. "We are a restaurant, a place of hospitality, of warmth and welcome ... we respect everyone's right to their own nationality and religion. We ask for the same." The group Whistleblowers, Activists and Communities Alliance has taken responsibility for the protest, saying the venue was chosen because the owner was a spokesperson for an Israeli aid organisation that "weaponised aid". "While politicians in so-called Australia clutch their pearls over one meal that was interrupted, we ask people to refocus their attention on Israel's genocidal reign of terror over the Palestinians," the group said on Instagram. Victoria Police has rejected claims its officers were told not to confront the protesters at the restaurant and an independent officer will review the overall response. A state task force has been announced to tackle hate and examine police powers after a string of incidents including an arson on the East Melbourne Synagogue that forced 20 worshippers inside to flee. Sydney man Angelo Loras, 34, has been charged over the firebombing. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley visited the synagogue on Tuesday where she spoke to community members and inspected the damage. She urged the prime minister to convene a national cabinet meeting of state and territory policing authorities and wants the government to reveal its plans to protect Jewish Australians. Ms Ley said she supported a national anti-hate unit but there had already been plenty of taskforces and talkfests. Anthony Albanese has flagged more action from his government as it works with a special envoy on anti-Semitism but pushed back against hosting a national cabinet. "Let's be clear. What people want is not a meeting. They want action," the prime minister told reporters in Hobart. Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion urged Victorian authorities to disallow weekly pro-Palestine protests in their current form and bring in protest zones. Premier Jacinta Allan labelled the weekly rally "odious" but said protesting was part of democracy. Protest organisers stressed they were opposed to the Israeli occupation of Gaza and leaders needed to distinguish between the IDF and Australia's Jewish community. The Australian Palestine Advocacy Network condemned the "smear" against peaceful protesters and rejected efforts to undermine protest by fixating on slogans while Israel bombs refugee camps and blocks food aid. The Jewish Council of Australia denounced the synagogue attack but said it was "irresponsible and inflammatory" to link the anti-Semitic act with legitimate protests. Separate offenders on Saturday spray-painted cars with anti-Semitic "inferences" then set them alight in the city's northeast, while a fourth incident involved offensive images spray-painted on pillars and walls near a Holocaust museum in Elsternwick.
ABC News
08-07-2025
- ABC News
Three charged over altercation at Israeli-owned restaurant Miznon in Melbourne CBD
Three people have been charged with assault, riotous behaviour and criminal damage after a group of protesters converged on an Israeli-owned restaurant in Melbourne's CBD on Friday night. The group was a part of a larger cohort which had gathered on Swanston Street to protest the need for police presence at public demonstrations. Police said about 20 people left that group about 8:15pm and went to the Miznon restaurant in Hardware Lane where patrons were having dinner. Police allege several people in the group were involved in an altercation, where chairs were thrown and a glass door was damaged. Three people — a 50-year-old man from Richmond, a 48-year-old woman from Footscray and a 28-year-old woman from Essendon have been charged with assault, affray, riotous behaviour and criminal damage. The incident occurred on the same night as a string of antisemitic incidents. On Friday night the door of a synagogue in East Melbourne was set alight while 20 congregants were inside. Angelo Loras, 34, has been charged over that incident. A business in the north-eastern suburb of Greensborough also had three cars torched about 4:30am the next day. Police said on Monday no links between any of the incidents had been identified. In a statement posted to social media, the group behind a No Police at Protests movement said it targeted the restaurant because it was part-owned by Israeli businessman Shahar Segal. Mr Segal is a spokesperson for the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, an Israeli and US-backed organisation that has been criticised for how it distributes aid in Gaza. But the group denied that incident was linked to the attack at the synagogue. "Pro-Palestinian activists have never attacked places of worship, and we condemn such attacks," the statement read. A statement released by Miznon on Tuesday said the events on Friday had had a "profound impact" on staff. "We are a restaurant, a place of hospitality, of warmth and welcome. Our greatest joy is to feed people from every background and viewpoint and to see the joy on people's faces as they enjoy our food and each other's company. That is our purpose and our objective," the statement read. "All our staff and customers are coming from different background and cultures. We respect everyone's right to their own nationality and religion. We ask for the same. "All we wish to do moving forward, is to keep feeding anyone who comes through our doors with love, attention and care while supplying a safe working space for our employees."
The Advertiser
07-07-2025
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Jewish Australians call for national anti-hate unit
Australia's Jewish community is pushing the federal government to set up a national task force to curb anti-Semitism. A Victorian task force will examine police powers after a spate of anti-Semitic incidents in Melbourne in recent days, including an alleged arson on the East Melbourne Synagogue that forced 20 worshippers inside to flee. Sydney man Angelo Loras, 34, has been charged over the fire, which occurred seven months after the city's Adass Israel Synagogue was damaged in what authorities have alleged was arson. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry, an umbrella group for the nation's Jews, feared further anti-Semitic attacks and said more than state-based action was needed. It urged the federal government to adopt a 15-point action plan including the establishment of a national task force to clamp down on anti-Semitism. "I don't know where the next attack will be or when or how, all I can say is that it is statistically likely that it will occur," the council's president Daniel Aghion said. "So far, we have been lucky in that no one has died." He urged Victorian authorities to disallow weekly pro-Palestine protests in their current form and bring in protest zones, after a group on Friday night damaged an Israeli restaurant following a rally. In that incident, a restaurant window was smashed, tables flipped and chairs thrown as police directed the group to leave the area. One person was arrested for hindering police. The Jewish Council of Australia denounced the synagogue attack but said it was "irresponsible and inflammatory to link this anti-Semitic act with separate protest actions". "Such language inaccurately conflates Jewishness with support for Israel, and undermines the fight against real anti-Semitism," executive council member Ohad Kozminsky said. Late on Friday, a group spray-painted cars with anti-Semitic "inferences" then set them alight in the city's northeast. A fourth incident involved stencils used to spray paint offensive images on pillars and walls near a Holocaust museum in the suburb of Elsternwick. Victorian police have not declared the incidents as related to terrorism but are working alongside counter-terrorism officers. The attacks, which have draw the ire of Israel, were condemned by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who said those responsible must face the full force of the law. Australia's Jewish community is pushing the federal government to set up a national task force to curb anti-Semitism. A Victorian task force will examine police powers after a spate of anti-Semitic incidents in Melbourne in recent days, including an alleged arson on the East Melbourne Synagogue that forced 20 worshippers inside to flee. Sydney man Angelo Loras, 34, has been charged over the fire, which occurred seven months after the city's Adass Israel Synagogue was damaged in what authorities have alleged was arson. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry, an umbrella group for the nation's Jews, feared further anti-Semitic attacks and said more than state-based action was needed. It urged the federal government to adopt a 15-point action plan including the establishment of a national task force to clamp down on anti-Semitism. "I don't know where the next attack will be or when or how, all I can say is that it is statistically likely that it will occur," the council's president Daniel Aghion said. "So far, we have been lucky in that no one has died." He urged Victorian authorities to disallow weekly pro-Palestine protests in their current form and bring in protest zones, after a group on Friday night damaged an Israeli restaurant following a rally. In that incident, a restaurant window was smashed, tables flipped and chairs thrown as police directed the group to leave the area. One person was arrested for hindering police. The Jewish Council of Australia denounced the synagogue attack but said it was "irresponsible and inflammatory to link this anti-Semitic act with separate protest actions". "Such language inaccurately conflates Jewishness with support for Israel, and undermines the fight against real anti-Semitism," executive council member Ohad Kozminsky said. Late on Friday, a group spray-painted cars with anti-Semitic "inferences" then set them alight in the city's northeast. A fourth incident involved stencils used to spray paint offensive images on pillars and walls near a Holocaust museum in the suburb of Elsternwick. Victorian police have not declared the incidents as related to terrorism but are working alongside counter-terrorism officers. The attacks, which have draw the ire of Israel, were condemned by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who said those responsible must face the full force of the law. Australia's Jewish community is pushing the federal government to set up a national task force to curb anti-Semitism. A Victorian task force will examine police powers after a spate of anti-Semitic incidents in Melbourne in recent days, including an alleged arson on the East Melbourne Synagogue that forced 20 worshippers inside to flee. Sydney man Angelo Loras, 34, has been charged over the fire, which occurred seven months after the city's Adass Israel Synagogue was damaged in what authorities have alleged was arson. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry, an umbrella group for the nation's Jews, feared further anti-Semitic attacks and said more than state-based action was needed. It urged the federal government to adopt a 15-point action plan including the establishment of a national task force to clamp down on anti-Semitism. "I don't know where the next attack will be or when or how, all I can say is that it is statistically likely that it will occur," the council's president Daniel Aghion said. "So far, we have been lucky in that no one has died." He urged Victorian authorities to disallow weekly pro-Palestine protests in their current form and bring in protest zones, after a group on Friday night damaged an Israeli restaurant following a rally. In that incident, a restaurant window was smashed, tables flipped and chairs thrown as police directed the group to leave the area. One person was arrested for hindering police. The Jewish Council of Australia denounced the synagogue attack but said it was "irresponsible and inflammatory to link this anti-Semitic act with separate protest actions". "Such language inaccurately conflates Jewishness with support for Israel, and undermines the fight against real anti-Semitism," executive council member Ohad Kozminsky said. Late on Friday, a group spray-painted cars with anti-Semitic "inferences" then set them alight in the city's northeast. A fourth incident involved stencils used to spray paint offensive images on pillars and walls near a Holocaust museum in the suburb of Elsternwick. Victorian police have not declared the incidents as related to terrorism but are working alongside counter-terrorism officers. The attacks, which have draw the ire of Israel, were condemned by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who said those responsible must face the full force of the law. Australia's Jewish community is pushing the federal government to set up a national task force to curb anti-Semitism. A Victorian task force will examine police powers after a spate of anti-Semitic incidents in Melbourne in recent days, including an alleged arson on the East Melbourne Synagogue that forced 20 worshippers inside to flee. Sydney man Angelo Loras, 34, has been charged over the fire, which occurred seven months after the city's Adass Israel Synagogue was damaged in what authorities have alleged was arson. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry, an umbrella group for the nation's Jews, feared further anti-Semitic attacks and said more than state-based action was needed. It urged the federal government to adopt a 15-point action plan including the establishment of a national task force to clamp down on anti-Semitism. "I don't know where the next attack will be or when or how, all I can say is that it is statistically likely that it will occur," the council's president Daniel Aghion said. "So far, we have been lucky in that no one has died." He urged Victorian authorities to disallow weekly pro-Palestine protests in their current form and bring in protest zones, after a group on Friday night damaged an Israeli restaurant following a rally. In that incident, a restaurant window was smashed, tables flipped and chairs thrown as police directed the group to leave the area. One person was arrested for hindering police. The Jewish Council of Australia denounced the synagogue attack but said it was "irresponsible and inflammatory to link this anti-Semitic act with separate protest actions". "Such language inaccurately conflates Jewishness with support for Israel, and undermines the fight against real anti-Semitism," executive council member Ohad Kozminsky said. Late on Friday, a group spray-painted cars with anti-Semitic "inferences" then set them alight in the city's northeast. A fourth incident involved stencils used to spray paint offensive images on pillars and walls near a Holocaust museum in the suburb of Elsternwick. Victorian police have not declared the incidents as related to terrorism but are working alongside counter-terrorism officers. The attacks, which have draw the ire of Israel, were condemned by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who said those responsible must face the full force of the law.
