Latest news with #EastMelbourneSynagogue
Sydney Morning Herald
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Sydney Morning Herald
Online hate report exposes ‘overt effort to normalise antisemitism'
Arson attacks on synagogues and the publication of a government-commissioned report into antisemitism have generated an online torrent of Jew-hating tropes, denial and victim-blaming, a new study has found. The findings by the Online Hate Prevention Institute, a research organisation and charity that monitors extremism, are drawn from content published on social media platforms after last December's firebombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue, this month's attack on the East Melbourne Synagogue and last week's release of Jillian Segal's plan to combat antisemitism. The report also examined the impact of the Dural caravan plot in Sydney and how, after NSW police downgraded it from a suspected terror attack to a 'criminal con job', the online discourse shifted to dismiss as hoaxes all attacks against Jews in Australia. 'This report shows just how normalised antisemitism has become, and just how willing many are to dismiss it, contextualise it, blame Jews for it, promote conspiracy theories, and otherwise make excuses,' the report concludes. Loading 'It highlights a discourse, largely built around conspiracy theories, that is dismissive of, or even supportive of, attacks targeting Jews in Australia.' The report cites 113 examples of antisemitic posts or responses published on X, TikTok and Threads that reference the synagogue attacks and Segal plan. The posts are de-identified in the published report, but the details of the accounts were provided in confidence to this masthead. They include celebratory messages about the firebomb that gutted the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea, such as one which welcomed Jews getting 'a taste of their own medicine,' and conspiratorial claims about the arson attack being a 'false flag' orchestrated by Jews or Israel to deflect attention from the war in Gaza. Declared one: 'The suspect is very likely a Mossad agent and the intent of this false flag is obvious.' Another claimed: 'The zios did it .. smoke screen.'
The Age
20-07-2025
- Politics
- The Age
Online hate report exposes ‘overt effort to normalise antisemitism'
Arson attacks on synagogues and the publication of a government-commissioned report into antisemitism have generated an online torrent of Jew-hating tropes, denial and victim-blaming, a new study has found. The findings by the Online Hate Prevention Institute, a research organisation and charity that monitors extremism, are drawn from content published on social media platforms after last December's firebombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue, this month's attack on the East Melbourne Synagogue and last week's release of Jillian Segal's plan to combat antisemitism. The report also examined the impact of the Dural caravan plot in Sydney and how, after NSW police downgraded it from a suspected terror attack to a 'criminal con job', the online discourse shifted to dismiss as hoaxes all attacks against Jews in Australia. 'This report shows just how normalised antisemitism has become, and just how willing many are to dismiss it, contextualise it, blame Jews for it, promote conspiracy theories, and otherwise make excuses,' the report concludes. Loading 'It highlights a discourse, largely built around conspiracy theories, that is dismissive of, or even supportive of, attacks targeting Jews in Australia.' The report cites 113 examples of antisemitic posts or responses published on X, TikTok and Threads that reference the synagogue attacks and Segal plan. The posts are de-identified in the published report, but the details of the accounts were provided in confidence to this masthead. They include celebratory messages about the firebomb that gutted the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea, such as one which welcomed Jews getting 'a taste of their own medicine,' and conspiratorial claims about the arson attack being a 'false flag' orchestrated by Jews or Israel to deflect attention from the war in Gaza. Declared one: 'The suspect is very likely a Mossad agent and the intent of this false flag is obvious.' Another claimed: 'The zios did it .. smoke screen.'
The Guardian
09-07-2025
- The Guardian
Attacks in Melbourne have struck fear into the Jewish community, and do nothing to bring about peace
On Friday night, there was an alleged arson attack on East Melbourne Synagogue, and separately an alleged attack by protesters on an Israeli restaurant in the CBD. Police have said no links between the incidents have been identified. While criminal charges have now been laid and the justice system must be allowed to take its course, to understand the impacts of these two separate events on Melbourne's Jewish community, you first must understand what Fridays mean to us. It is the night where we welcome in Shabbat (the Sabbath), and the different expressions of how we do that are perfectly illustrated in both Miznon and the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation. Sitting on the edge of Melbourne's CBD, East Melbourne Synagogue is one of Melbourne's oldest and most established congregations, practising ceremonies reflective of the Orthodox Jewish religion. Only a short distance away is the Israeli restaurant Miznon. Despite their differences, both institutions of the Jewish community reflect what is most important to us on that day of the week: being together. Last Friday night, as 20 members of the East Melbourne Synagogue community were gathered around the table for Shabbat dinner, police allege a man allegedly attempted to set the building they were in alight. And at Miznon, a protest allegedly turned violent. Protesters reportedly targeted the restaurant because it is part-owned by Israeli restaurateur Shahar Segal, who has served as a spokesperson for the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which has been widely condemned for how it distributes aid in Gaza. But I don't believe what allegedly unfolded at Miznon was a legitimate peaceful protest. Patrons and staff were allegedly harassed. Furniture was allegedly thrown. Two separate incidents. Two very different spaces. Targeting East Melbourne Synagogue strikes fear to all who feel connected to their culture, community and way of life. Many will recognise this antisemitism from the darkest times in Jewish memory. But targeting Miznon also strikes fear for all who are proud of their culture, heritage, and background, and want to share it with their fellow Australians. It makes people question if their existence or where they were born diminishes their place in our country. There must be a space for legitimate criticism of the Israeli government, to voice the need for Gazans to receive aid, to end hostilities and work towards a lasting peace. But we cannot accept that any of that is achieved by causing further division here in Melbourne. Violence, pain and suffering is not a competition. And one of the most important things is to listen to different communities when they tell you what is impacting them. It is not up to those outside the Jewish community to tell us what is and isn't antisemitism, or to define what makes us feel unsafe. At the same time, we must learn that two things can be true at once: That we can hold empathy for the unimaginable suffering of the Palestinian people, while caring for the safety of the Jewish community in Australia. That we can wish for the safe return of hostages to their families in Israel, while seeing that the rise of Islamophobia here at home is true as well. And in doing so, we must realise some things that are not true. One of these things that is not true is that by expressing concern for rising antisemitism in Australia, you are endorsing violence in a conflict on the other side of the world. The reality is if the Jewish community doesn't feel safe here in Australia, we are not the only ones. Other communities are watching. They are seeing what is happening to the Jewish community when we call out what is happening to us. Sign up to Breaking News Australia Get the most important news as it breaks after newsletter promotion This is demonstrated to me daily when I receive private messages of solidarity and support from people who are afraid of assumptions and repercussions if they said as much publicly. The government that I am a part of needs to be open to doing more, but we can't legislate away bigotry and hatred. Each of us have a responsibility to look at what's happening around us. And that starts with listening to affected communities. When my office was firebombed in June last year, it was an incident that we thought was as far as escalations could go. At the time I said I would have done it myself if it would bring peace to the Middle East. That point remains. How we confront these issues in Australia matters, and it too often descends into the opposite of the future we desperately want to realise. Despite the alleged attacks on the Jewish community, there are still places for us to find hope. And this was demonstrated by the response of the staff from Max, the Lebanese owned restaurant neighbouring Miznon on Friday night. Standing in the doorway, it was the staff of Max, who stood in front of Miznon and copped the brunt of the alleged abuse, hurling of tomatoes and the alleged smashing of the shop windows. Because for those of us who come from multicultural and multifaith communities, we know that an attack on one of us is an attack on all of us. And that the future should be one of respect, togetherness and sharing food, especially on a Friday night. Josh Burns is the federal member for Macnamara
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.
The Advertiser
07-07-2025
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Fears for next anti-Semitic firebombing on home soil
Australia's Jewish community is bracing for more anti-Semitic attacks as a task force is charged with doing whatever it takes to tackle hate. Calls for action have sharpened after four incidents in Victoria over the weekend, including a fire at East Melbourne Synagogue which forced worshippers to flee. "It's terrifying," Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion told AAP. "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. "So far, we have been lucky in that no one has died." He welcomed Victoria's new task force to tackle hate which will examine police powers, but said the state government took too long to act. He urged authorities to disallow weekly pro-Palestine protests in their current form and introduce changes such as protest zones. Some demonstrators at Sunday's rally in Melbourne reportedly chanted "Death to the IDF" (Israel Defence Forces). Australia's anti-Semitism envoy Jillian Segal said the synagogue attack was not a random incident because hatred and intimidation had been allowed to fester, calling for stronger policing and punishments. "Violent or intimidating protest activity which targets the Jewish community is not protest, it is anti-Semitism," she said in a statement. Sydney man Angelo Loras, 34, has been charged with setting fire to the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation's front doors on Friday night, forcing about 20 people inside to flee. The attack came seven months after part of the Adass Israel Synagogue was destroyed. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan met with synagogue leaders on Monday, pledging mental health support. She said there were no plans to ban the weekly pro-Palestine demonstrations because freedom of protest was a central tenant of democracy, while hitting out at the protesters' chanting as "odious, hateful behaviour". She was confident anti-vilification laws coming into force in September would give police more powers to crack down on extremist behaviour, as would future legislation to ban masks at protests. Rally organisers hit back at criticism, stressing they were opposed to the Israeli occupation of Gaza. "To combat anti-Semitism, Jacinta Allen needs to learn to distinguish between the IDF which is responsible for war crimes, and Australian Jews," a spokesperson said in a statement. Soon after the synagogue fire, Israeli restaurant Miznon was targeted by masked pro-Palestinian protesters. A window was smashed, tables flipped and chairs thrown as police directed them to leave the area, with one person arrested. Later the same night in the city's northeast, a group spray-painted cars with anti-Semitic "inferences" and set them alight. CCTV footage released by police shows figures in black hooded jumpers lighting the fires outside a Greensborough business, with detectives looking for five people seen fleeing on e-bikes. A fourth incident involved stencils used to spray paint offensive images on pillars and walls near a Holocaust museum in Elsternwick. The incidents have not been declared terrorist attacks, but Victoria Police is working with counter-terrorism officers to examine any links. 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. Opposition Leader Brad Battin said hate speech was the "root cause" of Jewish people feeling unsafe, as he pushed for police to review 'move on' laws and potentially recommend changes to the premier. "It is vital now that we stop these crimes in their tracks, we stop the violent speeches happening across the state and that will actually stop the actions that are happening and protect people," he said. The attacks drew international condemnation, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanding action against "rioters". Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said those responsible must face the full force of the law and federal opposition frontbencher Melissa McIntosh called for an urgent national cabinet meeting to discuss what happened. Australia's Jewish community is bracing for more anti-Semitic attacks as a task force is charged with doing whatever it takes to tackle hate. Calls for action have sharpened after four incidents in Victoria over the weekend, including a fire at East Melbourne Synagogue which forced worshippers to flee. "It's terrifying," Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion told AAP. "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. "So far, we have been lucky in that no one has died." He welcomed Victoria's new task force to tackle hate which will examine police powers, but said the state government took too long to act. He urged authorities to disallow weekly pro-Palestine protests in their current form and introduce changes such as protest zones. Some demonstrators at Sunday's rally in Melbourne reportedly chanted "Death to the IDF" (Israel Defence Forces). Australia's anti-Semitism envoy Jillian Segal said the synagogue attack was not a random incident because hatred and intimidation had been allowed to fester, calling for stronger policing and punishments. "Violent or intimidating protest activity which targets the Jewish community is not protest, it is anti-Semitism," she said in a statement. Sydney man Angelo Loras, 34, has been charged with setting fire to the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation's front doors on Friday night, forcing about 20 people inside to flee. The attack came seven months after part of the Adass Israel Synagogue was destroyed. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan met with synagogue leaders on Monday, pledging mental health support. She said there were no plans to ban the weekly pro-Palestine demonstrations because freedom of protest was a central tenant of democracy, while hitting out at the protesters' chanting as "odious, hateful behaviour". She was confident anti-vilification laws coming into force in September would give police more powers to crack down on extremist behaviour, as would future legislation to ban masks at protests. Rally organisers hit back at criticism, stressing they were opposed to the Israeli occupation of Gaza. "To combat anti-Semitism, Jacinta Allen needs to learn to distinguish between the IDF which is responsible for war crimes, and Australian Jews," a spokesperson said in a statement. Soon after the synagogue fire, Israeli restaurant Miznon was targeted by masked pro-Palestinian protesters. A window was smashed, tables flipped and chairs thrown as police directed them to leave the area, with one person arrested. Later the same night in the city's northeast, a group spray-painted cars with anti-Semitic "inferences" and set them alight. CCTV footage released by police shows figures in black hooded jumpers lighting the fires outside a Greensborough business, with detectives looking for five people seen fleeing on e-bikes. A fourth incident involved stencils used to spray paint offensive images on pillars and walls near a Holocaust museum in Elsternwick. The incidents have not been declared terrorist attacks, but Victoria Police is working with counter-terrorism officers to examine any links. 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. Opposition Leader Brad Battin said hate speech was the "root cause" of Jewish people feeling unsafe, as he pushed for police to review 'move on' laws and potentially recommend changes to the premier. "It is vital now that we stop these crimes in their tracks, we stop the violent speeches happening across the state and that will actually stop the actions that are happening and protect people," he said. The attacks drew international condemnation, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanding action against "rioters". Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said those responsible must face the full force of the law and federal opposition frontbencher Melissa McIntosh called for an urgent national cabinet meeting to discuss what happened. Australia's Jewish community is bracing for more anti-Semitic attacks as a task force is charged with doing whatever it takes to tackle hate. Calls for action have sharpened after four incidents in Victoria over the weekend, including a fire at East Melbourne Synagogue which forced worshippers to flee. "It's terrifying," Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion told AAP. "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. "So far, we have been lucky in that no one has died." He welcomed Victoria's new task force to tackle hate which will examine police powers, but said the state government took too long to act. He urged authorities to disallow weekly pro-Palestine protests in their current form and introduce changes such as protest zones. Some demonstrators at Sunday's rally in Melbourne reportedly chanted "Death to the IDF" (Israel Defence Forces). Australia's anti-Semitism envoy Jillian Segal said the synagogue attack was not a random incident because hatred and intimidation had been allowed to fester, calling for stronger policing and punishments. "Violent or intimidating protest activity which targets the Jewish community is not protest, it is anti-Semitism," she said in a statement. Sydney man Angelo Loras, 34, has been charged with setting fire to the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation's front doors on Friday night, forcing about 20 people inside to flee. The attack came seven months after part of the Adass Israel Synagogue was destroyed. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan met with synagogue leaders on Monday, pledging mental health support. She said there were no plans to ban the weekly pro-Palestine demonstrations because freedom of protest was a central tenant of democracy, while hitting out at the protesters' chanting as "odious, hateful behaviour". She was confident anti-vilification laws coming into force in September would give police more powers to crack down on extremist behaviour, as would future legislation to ban masks at protests. Rally organisers hit back at criticism, stressing they were opposed to the Israeli occupation of Gaza. "To combat anti-Semitism, Jacinta Allen needs to learn to distinguish between the IDF which is responsible for war crimes, and Australian Jews," a spokesperson said in a statement. Soon after the synagogue fire, Israeli restaurant Miznon was targeted by masked pro-Palestinian protesters. A window was smashed, tables flipped and chairs thrown as police directed them to leave the area, with one person arrested. Later the same night in the city's northeast, a group spray-painted cars with anti-Semitic "inferences" and set them alight. CCTV footage released by police shows figures in black hooded jumpers lighting the fires outside a Greensborough business, with detectives looking for five people seen fleeing on e-bikes. A fourth incident involved stencils used to spray paint offensive images on pillars and walls near a Holocaust museum in Elsternwick. The incidents have not been declared terrorist attacks, but Victoria Police is working with counter-terrorism officers to examine any links. 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. Opposition Leader Brad Battin said hate speech was the "root cause" of Jewish people feeling unsafe, as he pushed for police to review 'move on' laws and potentially recommend changes to the premier. "It is vital now that we stop these crimes in their tracks, we stop the violent speeches happening across the state and that will actually stop the actions that are happening and protect people," he said. The attacks drew international condemnation, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanding action against "rioters". Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said those responsible must face the full force of the law and federal opposition frontbencher Melissa McIntosh called for an urgent national cabinet meeting to discuss what happened. Australia's Jewish community is bracing for more anti-Semitic attacks as a task force is charged with doing whatever it takes to tackle hate. Calls for action have sharpened after four incidents in Victoria over the weekend, including a fire at East Melbourne Synagogue which forced worshippers to flee. "It's terrifying," Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion told AAP. "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. "So far, we have been lucky in that no one has died." He welcomed Victoria's new task force to tackle hate which will examine police powers, but said the state government took too long to act. He urged authorities to disallow weekly pro-Palestine protests in their current form and introduce changes such as protest zones. Some demonstrators at Sunday's rally in Melbourne reportedly chanted "Death to the IDF" (Israel Defence Forces). Australia's anti-Semitism envoy Jillian Segal said the synagogue attack was not a random incident because hatred and intimidation had been allowed to fester, calling for stronger policing and punishments. "Violent or intimidating protest activity which targets the Jewish community is not protest, it is anti-Semitism," she said in a statement. Sydney man Angelo Loras, 34, has been charged with setting fire to the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation's front doors on Friday night, forcing about 20 people inside to flee. The attack came seven months after part of the Adass Israel Synagogue was destroyed. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan met with synagogue leaders on Monday, pledging mental health support. She said there were no plans to ban the weekly pro-Palestine demonstrations because freedom of protest was a central tenant of democracy, while hitting out at the protesters' chanting as "odious, hateful behaviour". She was confident anti-vilification laws coming into force in September would give police more powers to crack down on extremist behaviour, as would future legislation to ban masks at protests. Rally organisers hit back at criticism, stressing they were opposed to the Israeli occupation of Gaza. "To combat anti-Semitism, Jacinta Allen needs to learn to distinguish between the IDF which is responsible for war crimes, and Australian Jews," a spokesperson said in a statement. Soon after the synagogue fire, Israeli restaurant Miznon was targeted by masked pro-Palestinian protesters. A window was smashed, tables flipped and chairs thrown as police directed them to leave the area, with one person arrested. Later the same night in the city's northeast, a group spray-painted cars with anti-Semitic "inferences" and set them alight. CCTV footage released by police shows figures in black hooded jumpers lighting the fires outside a Greensborough business, with detectives looking for five people seen fleeing on e-bikes. A fourth incident involved stencils used to spray paint offensive images on pillars and walls near a Holocaust museum in Elsternwick. The incidents have not been declared terrorist attacks, but Victoria Police is working with counter-terrorism officers to examine any links. 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. Opposition Leader Brad Battin said hate speech was the "root cause" of Jewish people feeling unsafe, as he pushed for police to review 'move on' laws and potentially recommend changes to the premier. "It is vital now that we stop these crimes in their tracks, we stop the violent speeches happening across the state and that will actually stop the actions that are happening and protect people," he said. The attacks drew international condemnation, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanding action against "rioters". Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said those responsible must face the full force of the law and federal opposition frontbencher Melissa McIntosh called for an urgent national cabinet meeting to discuss what happened.
