Latest news with #DvirAbramovich
The Age
5 days ago
- The Age
Anonymous ‘group' claims responsibility for attack on Israel-linked military parts maker
The individual goes on to threaten violence against Lovitt Technologies employees: 'Every worker in this supply chain is complicit … We will decide your fate as you have decided the fate of millions. 'For the past few months, we have been closely watching you. We have your addresses. All the information we have about you will be distributed to our underground networks.' The video began circulating widely online on Monday after it was uploaded to an anonymous Instagram account, but it was first reported by The Guardian late last week. A Victoria Police spokesperson said on Monday that the investigation into the vandal attack had been escalated to its counterterrorism unit. 'The matter is now being investigated by the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team, which includes personnel from Victoria Police, the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation. 'Investigators are aware of a video which has been circulating where a group has claimed responsibility for the incident. This video is being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation,' the spokesperson said. Loading Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, said failing to confront the threat of extremist behaviour would harm Australia. 'Seeing a group resembling an al-Qaeda terror cell openly pledging to carry out criminal acts is chilling and disturbing. It doesn't matter that they think they're doing something just and righteous – Islamist terrorists and neo-Nazis think that too. 'What matters is that we remain a country of laws and not allow bands of zealots to decide what is a legitimate target for violence and criminal acts. ' Dvir Abramovich, chair of the Anti-Defamation Commission described the video as a 'manifesto of violence'. 'The people targeted in this video are ordinary Australians. Parents who pack school lunches. Children who kiss them goodnight. 'They were not just threatened, they were told they were being watched. We now face a chilling question: what happens when a campaign of hate leaves the internet and enters your driveway? What happens when slogans turn to gasoline? This is not an isolated episode.' The vandal attack occurred the same night that Sydney man Angelo Loras allegedly attempted to firebomb an East Melbourne synagogue with children and families inside, and 20 people stormed Israeli restaurant Miznon in Melbourne's CBD. Police have not found a formal link between the three incidents or determined if the firebombing was an act of terror. A Lovitt Technologies spokesperson declined to comment, citing the police investigation. Loading The video footage emerged as Victorian Opposition Leader Brad Battin called on the state's new police chief, Mike Bush, to explain what he planned to do to stop expressions of anti-Jewish hatred at public demonstrations. Bush has officially been in the job for two weeks and attended the first meeting of Premier Jacinta Allan's new anti-hate taskforce. Battin expressed frustration that during last Sunday's regular pro-Palestine rally in central Melbourne, protesters chanted 'Death to the IDF' and displayed swastikas without intervention by police who were monitoring the march. 'Mike Bush, obviously, he is fairly new in the job and we will give him the benefit of the doubt, but he needs to be coming out and explaining what he is doing when it comes to the protests here in this state,' Battin said. 'Is he acting on policy from the Victorian government or is he going to go out and start acting to ensure that we can take back the streets and not have this hate speech on Victorian streets? Battin restated his support for the re-introduction of move-on laws for police and backed a recommendation by Australia's Special Envoy for Antisemitism, Jillian Segal, to withdraw government funding from public universities, broadcasters and other organisations which tolerated antisemitism.
Sydney Morning Herald
5 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Anonymous ‘group' claims responsibility for attack on Israel-linked military parts maker
The individual goes on to threaten violence against Lovitt Technologies employees: 'Every worker in this supply chain is complicit … We will decide your fate as you have decided the fate of millions. 'For the past few months, we have been closely watching you. We have your addresses. All the information we have about you will be distributed to our underground networks.' The video began circulating widely online on Monday after it was uploaded to an anonymous Instagram account, but it was first reported by The Guardian late last week. A Victoria Police spokesperson said on Monday that the investigation into the vandal attack had been escalated to its counterterrorism unit. 'The matter is now being investigated by the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team, which includes personnel from Victoria Police, the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation. 'Investigators are aware of a video which has been circulating where a group has claimed responsibility for the incident. This video is being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation,' the spokesperson said. Loading Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, said failing to confront the threat of extremist behaviour would harm Australia. 'Seeing a group resembling an al-Qaeda terror cell openly pledging to carry out criminal acts is chilling and disturbing. It doesn't matter that they think they're doing something just and righteous – Islamist terrorists and neo-Nazis think that too. 'What matters is that we remain a country of laws and not allow bands of zealots to decide what is a legitimate target for violence and criminal acts. ' Dvir Abramovich, chair of the Anti-Defamation Commission described the video as a 'manifesto of violence'. 'The people targeted in this video are ordinary Australians. Parents who pack school lunches. Children who kiss them goodnight. 'They were not just threatened, they were told they were being watched. We now face a chilling question: what happens when a campaign of hate leaves the internet and enters your driveway? What happens when slogans turn to gasoline? This is not an isolated episode.' The vandal attack occurred the same night that Sydney man Angelo Loras allegedly attempted to firebomb an East Melbourne synagogue with children and families inside, and 20 people stormed Israeli restaurant Miznon in Melbourne's CBD. Police have not found a formal link between the three incidents or determined if the firebombing was an act of terror. A Lovitt Technologies spokesperson declined to comment, citing the police investigation. Loading The video footage emerged as Victorian Opposition Leader Brad Battin called on the state's new police chief, Mike Bush, to explain what he planned to do to stop expressions of anti-Jewish hatred at public demonstrations. Bush has officially been in the job for two weeks and attended the first meeting of Premier Jacinta Allan's new anti-hate taskforce. Battin expressed frustration that during last Sunday's regular pro-Palestine rally in central Melbourne, protesters chanted 'Death to the IDF' and displayed swastikas without intervention by police who were monitoring the march. 'Mike Bush, obviously, he is fairly new in the job and we will give him the benefit of the doubt, but he needs to be coming out and explaining what he is doing when it comes to the protests here in this state,' Battin said. 'Is he acting on policy from the Victorian government or is he going to go out and start acting to ensure that we can take back the streets and not have this hate speech on Victorian streets? Battin restated his support for the re-introduction of move-on laws for police and backed a recommendation by Australia's Special Envoy for Antisemitism, Jillian Segal, to withdraw government funding from public universities, broadcasters and other organisations which tolerated antisemitism.
The Advertiser
06-07-2025
- The Advertiser
Man charged over synagogue firebombing
A 34-year-old man has been charged over the firebombing of a synagogue that's sent shock waves through Australia's Jewish community. Twenty congregants were forced to flee the synagogue in East Melbourne on Friday night after a bearded man doused the building's front door with flammable liquid before setting it alight. He fled on foot, while firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, which was contained to the front entrance. A NSW man was arrested in Melbourne's CBD on Saturday about 8.15pm and charged with multiple offences, including reckless conduct endangering life, criminal damage by fire and possession of a controlled weapon. The 34-year-old will appear before the bail and remand court on Sunday. Detectives will investigate the accused man's intent and ideology to determine if the incident was an act of terrorism. Victoria Police said it was lucky no one was injured in another alleged act of anti-Semitism on the same night when protesters allegedly smashed a window, flipped tables and threw chairs outside Israeli restaurant Miznon in Melbourne's CBD. The group of protesters had splintered from a larger demonstration in the city before making their way to the restaurant in Hardware Lane, where they chanted "death to the IDF", referring to the Israel Defence Force. A 28-year-old protester was arrested for hindering police, as detectives sift through CCTV as part of investigations. Hours later, offenders spray-painted three cars and a wall outside a Greensborough business in Melbourne's northeast before setting fire to the vehicles, destroying one and damaging two. Police said there were "inferences of anti-Semitism" and the business had been "subjected to pro-Palestinian activity" in the past 12 months. Detectives are investigating if there are any links between the three incidents and have flagged a review of their response to a pro-Palestine demonstration to be held in Melbourne on Sunday. None of the incidents have been declared terrorism-related but the force is increasing patrols around the synagogue and in the city's southeast. The attack on the 150-year-old temple was the 10th firebombing the Australian Jewish community has experienced in the past 12 months, Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion said. "If you think about terrorism as creating terror or fear, then yes, it is a form of terrorism," he said. "This is a pattern of behaviour designed to create fear amongst the Jewish community, which it will not do." Anti-Defamation Commission's Dvir Abramovich said diners were terrorised and Melbourne "stopped being a safe place for Jews" for one night. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the synagogue arson as a "cowardly" act of violence and anti-Semitism and said the attacks on the restaurant and business were unacceptable. The federal government has offered federal police and security and intelligence agency support to investigators. "Those responsible for these shocking acts must face the full force of the law," he said. The attacks come seven months after a blaze destroyed two buildings at the Adass Israel Synagogue in the city's south and forced worshippers inside to flee. No charges have been laid, although counterterrorism police have raided multiple properties as part of that investigation. Israel's foreign minister condemned Friday's attacks and demanded Australian do more to combat anti-Semitism. "Israel stands firmly with the Jewish community in Australia," Gideon Sa'ar posted on social platform X. "There have been too many anti-Semitic attacks in Australia." A 34-year-old man has been charged over the firebombing of a synagogue that's sent shock waves through Australia's Jewish community. Twenty congregants were forced to flee the synagogue in East Melbourne on Friday night after a bearded man doused the building's front door with flammable liquid before setting it alight. He fled on foot, while firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, which was contained to the front entrance. A NSW man was arrested in Melbourne's CBD on Saturday about 8.15pm and charged with multiple offences, including reckless conduct endangering life, criminal damage by fire and possession of a controlled weapon. The 34-year-old will appear before the bail and remand court on Sunday. Detectives will investigate the accused man's intent and ideology to determine if the incident was an act of terrorism. Victoria Police said it was lucky no one was injured in another alleged act of anti-Semitism on the same night when protesters allegedly smashed a window, flipped tables and threw chairs outside Israeli restaurant Miznon in Melbourne's CBD. The group of protesters had splintered from a larger demonstration in the city before making their way to the restaurant in Hardware Lane, where they chanted "death to the IDF", referring to the Israel Defence Force. A 28-year-old protester was arrested for hindering police, as detectives sift through CCTV as part of investigations. Hours later, offenders spray-painted three cars and a wall outside a Greensborough business in Melbourne's northeast before setting fire to the vehicles, destroying one and damaging two. Police said there were "inferences of anti-Semitism" and the business had been "subjected to pro-Palestinian activity" in the past 12 months. Detectives are investigating if there are any links between the three incidents and have flagged a review of their response to a pro-Palestine demonstration to be held in Melbourne on Sunday. None of the incidents have been declared terrorism-related but the force is increasing patrols around the synagogue and in the city's southeast. The attack on the 150-year-old temple was the 10th firebombing the Australian Jewish community has experienced in the past 12 months, Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion said. "If you think about terrorism as creating terror or fear, then yes, it is a form of terrorism," he said. "This is a pattern of behaviour designed to create fear amongst the Jewish community, which it will not do." Anti-Defamation Commission's Dvir Abramovich said diners were terrorised and Melbourne "stopped being a safe place for Jews" for one night. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the synagogue arson as a "cowardly" act of violence and anti-Semitism and said the attacks on the restaurant and business were unacceptable. The federal government has offered federal police and security and intelligence agency support to investigators. "Those responsible for these shocking acts must face the full force of the law," he said. The attacks come seven months after a blaze destroyed two buildings at the Adass Israel Synagogue in the city's south and forced worshippers inside to flee. No charges have been laid, although counterterrorism police have raided multiple properties as part of that investigation. Israel's foreign minister condemned Friday's attacks and demanded Australian do more to combat anti-Semitism. "Israel stands firmly with the Jewish community in Australia," Gideon Sa'ar posted on social platform X. "There have been too many anti-Semitic attacks in Australia." A 34-year-old man has been charged over the firebombing of a synagogue that's sent shock waves through Australia's Jewish community. Twenty congregants were forced to flee the synagogue in East Melbourne on Friday night after a bearded man doused the building's front door with flammable liquid before setting it alight. He fled on foot, while firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, which was contained to the front entrance. A NSW man was arrested in Melbourne's CBD on Saturday about 8.15pm and charged with multiple offences, including reckless conduct endangering life, criminal damage by fire and possession of a controlled weapon. The 34-year-old will appear before the bail and remand court on Sunday. Detectives will investigate the accused man's intent and ideology to determine if the incident was an act of terrorism. Victoria Police said it was lucky no one was injured in another alleged act of anti-Semitism on the same night when protesters allegedly smashed a window, flipped tables and threw chairs outside Israeli restaurant Miznon in Melbourne's CBD. The group of protesters had splintered from a larger demonstration in the city before making their way to the restaurant in Hardware Lane, where they chanted "death to the IDF", referring to the Israel Defence Force. A 28-year-old protester was arrested for hindering police, as detectives sift through CCTV as part of investigations. Hours later, offenders spray-painted three cars and a wall outside a Greensborough business in Melbourne's northeast before setting fire to the vehicles, destroying one and damaging two. Police said there were "inferences of anti-Semitism" and the business had been "subjected to pro-Palestinian activity" in the past 12 months. Detectives are investigating if there are any links between the three incidents and have flagged a review of their response to a pro-Palestine demonstration to be held in Melbourne on Sunday. None of the incidents have been declared terrorism-related but the force is increasing patrols around the synagogue and in the city's southeast. The attack on the 150-year-old temple was the 10th firebombing the Australian Jewish community has experienced in the past 12 months, Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion said. "If you think about terrorism as creating terror or fear, then yes, it is a form of terrorism," he said. "This is a pattern of behaviour designed to create fear amongst the Jewish community, which it will not do." Anti-Defamation Commission's Dvir Abramovich said diners were terrorised and Melbourne "stopped being a safe place for Jews" for one night. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the synagogue arson as a "cowardly" act of violence and anti-Semitism and said the attacks on the restaurant and business were unacceptable. The federal government has offered federal police and security and intelligence agency support to investigators. "Those responsible for these shocking acts must face the full force of the law," he said. The attacks come seven months after a blaze destroyed two buildings at the Adass Israel Synagogue in the city's south and forced worshippers inside to flee. No charges have been laid, although counterterrorism police have raided multiple properties as part of that investigation. Israel's foreign minister condemned Friday's attacks and demanded Australian do more to combat anti-Semitism. "Israel stands firmly with the Jewish community in Australia," Gideon Sa'ar posted on social platform X. "There have been too many anti-Semitic attacks in Australia." A 34-year-old man has been charged over the firebombing of a synagogue that's sent shock waves through Australia's Jewish community. Twenty congregants were forced to flee the synagogue in East Melbourne on Friday night after a bearded man doused the building's front door with flammable liquid before setting it alight. He fled on foot, while firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, which was contained to the front entrance. A NSW man was arrested in Melbourne's CBD on Saturday about 8.15pm and charged with multiple offences, including reckless conduct endangering life, criminal damage by fire and possession of a controlled weapon. The 34-year-old will appear before the bail and remand court on Sunday. Detectives will investigate the accused man's intent and ideology to determine if the incident was an act of terrorism. Victoria Police said it was lucky no one was injured in another alleged act of anti-Semitism on the same night when protesters allegedly smashed a window, flipped tables and threw chairs outside Israeli restaurant Miznon in Melbourne's CBD. The group of protesters had splintered from a larger demonstration in the city before making their way to the restaurant in Hardware Lane, where they chanted "death to the IDF", referring to the Israel Defence Force. A 28-year-old protester was arrested for hindering police, as detectives sift through CCTV as part of investigations. Hours later, offenders spray-painted three cars and a wall outside a Greensborough business in Melbourne's northeast before setting fire to the vehicles, destroying one and damaging two. Police said there were "inferences of anti-Semitism" and the business had been "subjected to pro-Palestinian activity" in the past 12 months. Detectives are investigating if there are any links between the three incidents and have flagged a review of their response to a pro-Palestine demonstration to be held in Melbourne on Sunday. None of the incidents have been declared terrorism-related but the force is increasing patrols around the synagogue and in the city's southeast. The attack on the 150-year-old temple was the 10th firebombing the Australian Jewish community has experienced in the past 12 months, Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion said. "If you think about terrorism as creating terror or fear, then yes, it is a form of terrorism," he said. "This is a pattern of behaviour designed to create fear amongst the Jewish community, which it will not do." Anti-Defamation Commission's Dvir Abramovich said diners were terrorised and Melbourne "stopped being a safe place for Jews" for one night. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the synagogue arson as a "cowardly" act of violence and anti-Semitism and said the attacks on the restaurant and business were unacceptable. The federal government has offered federal police and security and intelligence agency support to investigators. "Those responsible for these shocking acts must face the full force of the law," he said. The attacks come seven months after a blaze destroyed two buildings at the Adass Israel Synagogue in the city's south and forced worshippers inside to flee. No charges have been laid, although counterterrorism police have raided multiple properties as part of that investigation. Israel's foreign minister condemned Friday's attacks and demanded Australian do more to combat anti-Semitism. "Israel stands firmly with the Jewish community in Australia," Gideon Sa'ar posted on social platform X. "There have been too many anti-Semitic attacks in Australia."
The Advertiser
05-07-2025
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Synagogue set alight, protest at Israeli restaurant
An arson attack at a synagogue has forced worshippers to flee, just as protesters descended on an Israeli restaurant nearby shouting "offensive chants". About 20 people at the synagogue fled after a man doused the front of the East Melbourne building in a flammable liquid and set it alight about 8pm on Friday, police said. Everyone inside was able to evacuate through a rear exit and there are no reports of injuries. Firefighters contained blaze to the front of the building. "Police are still working to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the fire including the motivation behind the incident," a Victoria Police spokesperson said. "There is absolutely no place in our society for anti-Semitic or hate-based behaviour." The East Melbourne Synagogue, on of Australia's oldest, is located close to Victoria's parliament in the heart of the city. The suspect was last seen fleeing down Albert Street towards the CBD. A short time later, protesters gathered outside Israeli restaurant Miznon on Hardware Lane in the heart of the city. Police say about 20 demonstrators shouted "offensive chants" and were directed to leave the area. Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dvir Abramovich said diners were terrorised as the group chanted "Death to the IDF". "Melbourne, for one night, stopped being a safe place for Jews," Dr Abramovich said. One person was arrested for hindering police and several others were spoken to by investigators. The force said it supports the right of Victorians to protest peacefully but would not tolerate "anti-social and violent behaviour" witnessed. It comes seven months after a devastating fire at the Adass Israel Synagogue at Ripponlea in the city's south. Two of the 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. The latest incidents also follow disagreement between Australia's special envoy to combat anti-Semitism and NSW MPs, over a call to ban pro-Palestine protests from city centres. Jillian Segal gave evidence to a parliamentary inquiry examining anti-Semitism in Sydney on Friday and was pressed on previous statements where she labelled the weekly demonstrations as "intimidatory" and "sinister". Labor MP Stephen Lawrence suggested her comments were an "uncivil way to describe them and the people participating". An arson attack at a synagogue has forced worshippers to flee, just as protesters descended on an Israeli restaurant nearby shouting "offensive chants". About 20 people at the synagogue fled after a man doused the front of the East Melbourne building in a flammable liquid and set it alight about 8pm on Friday, police said. Everyone inside was able to evacuate through a rear exit and there are no reports of injuries. Firefighters contained blaze to the front of the building. "Police are still working to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the fire including the motivation behind the incident," a Victoria Police spokesperson said. "There is absolutely no place in our society for anti-Semitic or hate-based behaviour." The East Melbourne Synagogue, on of Australia's oldest, is located close to Victoria's parliament in the heart of the city. The suspect was last seen fleeing down Albert Street towards the CBD. A short time later, protesters gathered outside Israeli restaurant Miznon on Hardware Lane in the heart of the city. Police say about 20 demonstrators shouted "offensive chants" and were directed to leave the area. Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dvir Abramovich said diners were terrorised as the group chanted "Death to the IDF". "Melbourne, for one night, stopped being a safe place for Jews," Dr Abramovich said. One person was arrested for hindering police and several others were spoken to by investigators. The force said it supports the right of Victorians to protest peacefully but would not tolerate "anti-social and violent behaviour" witnessed. It comes seven months after a devastating fire at the Adass Israel Synagogue at Ripponlea in the city's south. Two of the 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. The latest incidents also follow disagreement between Australia's special envoy to combat anti-Semitism and NSW MPs, over a call to ban pro-Palestine protests from city centres. Jillian Segal gave evidence to a parliamentary inquiry examining anti-Semitism in Sydney on Friday and was pressed on previous statements where she labelled the weekly demonstrations as "intimidatory" and "sinister". Labor MP Stephen Lawrence suggested her comments were an "uncivil way to describe them and the people participating". An arson attack at a synagogue has forced worshippers to flee, just as protesters descended on an Israeli restaurant nearby shouting "offensive chants". About 20 people at the synagogue fled after a man doused the front of the East Melbourne building in a flammable liquid and set it alight about 8pm on Friday, police said. Everyone inside was able to evacuate through a rear exit and there are no reports of injuries. Firefighters contained blaze to the front of the building. "Police are still working to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the fire including the motivation behind the incident," a Victoria Police spokesperson said. "There is absolutely no place in our society for anti-Semitic or hate-based behaviour." The East Melbourne Synagogue, on of Australia's oldest, is located close to Victoria's parliament in the heart of the city. The suspect was last seen fleeing down Albert Street towards the CBD. A short time later, protesters gathered outside Israeli restaurant Miznon on Hardware Lane in the heart of the city. Police say about 20 demonstrators shouted "offensive chants" and were directed to leave the area. Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dvir Abramovich said diners were terrorised as the group chanted "Death to the IDF". "Melbourne, for one night, stopped being a safe place for Jews," Dr Abramovich said. One person was arrested for hindering police and several others were spoken to by investigators. The force said it supports the right of Victorians to protest peacefully but would not tolerate "anti-social and violent behaviour" witnessed. It comes seven months after a devastating fire at the Adass Israel Synagogue at Ripponlea in the city's south. Two of the 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. The latest incidents also follow disagreement between Australia's special envoy to combat anti-Semitism and NSW MPs, over a call to ban pro-Palestine protests from city centres. Jillian Segal gave evidence to a parliamentary inquiry examining anti-Semitism in Sydney on Friday and was pressed on previous statements where she labelled the weekly demonstrations as "intimidatory" and "sinister". Labor MP Stephen Lawrence suggested her comments were an "uncivil way to describe them and the people participating". An arson attack at a synagogue has forced worshippers to flee, just as protesters descended on an Israeli restaurant nearby shouting "offensive chants". About 20 people at the synagogue fled after a man doused the front of the East Melbourne building in a flammable liquid and set it alight about 8pm on Friday, police said. Everyone inside was able to evacuate through a rear exit and there are no reports of injuries. Firefighters contained blaze to the front of the building. "Police are still working to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the fire including the motivation behind the incident," a Victoria Police spokesperson said. "There is absolutely no place in our society for anti-Semitic or hate-based behaviour." The East Melbourne Synagogue, on of Australia's oldest, is located close to Victoria's parliament in the heart of the city. The suspect was last seen fleeing down Albert Street towards the CBD. A short time later, protesters gathered outside Israeli restaurant Miznon on Hardware Lane in the heart of the city. Police say about 20 demonstrators shouted "offensive chants" and were directed to leave the area. Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dvir Abramovich said diners were terrorised as the group chanted "Death to the IDF". "Melbourne, for one night, stopped being a safe place for Jews," Dr Abramovich said. One person was arrested for hindering police and several others were spoken to by investigators. The force said it supports the right of Victorians to protest peacefully but would not tolerate "anti-social and violent behaviour" witnessed. It comes seven months after a devastating fire at the Adass Israel Synagogue at Ripponlea in the city's south. Two of the 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. The latest incidents also follow disagreement between Australia's special envoy to combat anti-Semitism and NSW MPs, over a call to ban pro-Palestine protests from city centres. Jillian Segal gave evidence to a parliamentary inquiry examining anti-Semitism in Sydney on Friday and was pressed on previous statements where she labelled the weekly demonstrations as "intimidatory" and "sinister". Labor MP Stephen Lawrence suggested her comments were an "uncivil way to describe them and the people participating".
Courier-Mail
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Courier-Mail
Vandals target Melbourne Hebrew Congregation synagogue
Don't miss out on the headlines from Breaking News. Followed categories will be added to My News. An iconic Melbourne religious institution has been vandalised twice in a day. The heritage-listed Melbourne Hebrew Congregation synagogue was targeted by vandals on Sunday. One piece of graffiti read 'Iran is da bomb' inscribed in a mushroom cloud, alongside another piece of vandalism that said 'free Palestine'. 'It is believed a wall of the Toorak Road premises was graffitied by an unknown person sometime on Sunday afternoon,' a police spokesman said. 'That was removed but unknown offenders again graffitied the building sometime on Sunday evening.' The graffiti was scrawled soon after US bombs fell on Iran. Picture: Supplied The original graffitied message also said 'free Palestine'. 'There is absolutely no place at all in our society for anti-Semitic or hate-based symbols and behaviour,' the police spokesman said. Police want anyone with information to come forward. Rabbi Shlomo Nathanson told the Herald Sun: 'We're just frustrated and exhausted by all of this and we hope that is shared by members outside Jewish community'. 'We feel this to be an attack on the Melbourne Hebrew Congregation and it is unacceptable. 'While this is an offence to the Jewish community, it is our hope that people say 'not on my watch, not in my Australia',' the Rabbi said. A pro-Palestine message was graffitied on the Melbourne Hebrew Congregation on Sunday. Picture: Supplied Chair of Australia's non-governmental Anti Defamation Commission, Dvir Abramovich, told NewsWire the graffiti represented an attack on religious freedom. 'There are moments that stop us cold. This is one of them,' Dr Abramovich said. 'This was not random. It was a calculated attempt to intimidate Jewish Australians. 'Let us be clear: an attack on a synagogue is an attack on every church, every mosque, every temple. It is an attack on the very idea that faith can be practised freely, without fear.' The Premier labelled the graffiti 'disgraceful' and 'senseless'. 'It is just so vitally important that we do not allow conflict and violence overseas to divide us here in Melbourne and Victoria,' Jacinta Allan said. The Melbourne Hebrew Congregation is a monumental temple on the high-traffic corner of Toorak Road and St Kilda Road, about 2km south of the CBD. The building was constructed between 1928 and 1930. The synagogue is heritage-listed for its historical, aesthetic and social significance. The graffiti referencing Iran was written about 12 hours after the US bombed Iranian facilities, which are suspected of being used to enrich uranium and develop nuclear weapons. Originally published as 'Iran is da bomb': Vandals target historic Melbourne synagogue
