Latest news with #IsraelDefenceForce
7NEWS
2 days ago
- 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
2 days ago
- 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.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Gaza ceasefire could happen this week, while Israeli forces kill 100 in 24 hours
More than 100 Gazans were killed in just 24 hours as the Israeli PM jets into Washington to discuss shaky ceasefire proposals - while his warplanes batter Yemeni ports in a major attack against Houthi rebels Israeli forces killed at least 100 Palestinians in 24 hours even as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flew into Washington to discuss a Gaza ceasefire. His warplanes were also pounding Yemeni Houthi targets overnight after warning residents to flee for their lives as large-scale air-strikes had been ordered. US President Donald Trump has suggested a ceasefire - supposedly lasting 60 days in exchange for half of the hostages - could happen as soon as this week. At least 82 Gazans were killed on Sunday and on Monday the death toll shot up over 100 as Israeli troops drove on with their assaults, despite the Hamas- Israel talks. Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas are also thought to be taking place in Doha, Qatar today, possibly hammering out plans to release more Palestinian prisoners. Israel's military launched airstrikes early Monday targeting ports and facilities held by Yemen's Houthi rebels, with the rebels responding with missile fire targeting Israel. The attacks came after a Sunday assault which targeted a Liberian-flagged ship in the Red Sea that caught fire and took on water, forcing its crew to abandon it. A security firm said bomb-carrying drone boats appeared to hit the ship after it was targeted by small arms and rocket-propelled grenades. A renewed Iran-backed Houthi campaign against shipping could again draw in US and Western forces to the area. The ship attack comes at a sensitive moment in the Middle East, as a possible ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war hangs in the balance. Iran is also weighing up whether to restart negotiations over its nuclear program following American airstrikes targeting its most sensitive atomic sites. The Israeli military said it struck Houthi-held ports at Hodeida, Ras Isa and Salif, as well as the Ras Kanatib power plant. It released footage showing an F-16 launching from Israel for the strike, which came after the Israeli military issued a warning for the area. The Israel Defence Force s aid: "These ports are used by the Houthi terrorist regime to transfer weapons from the Iranian regime, which are employed to carry out terrorist operations against the state of Israel and its allies.' The Israeli military also said it struck the Galaxy Leader, a vehicle-carrying vessel that the Houthis seized back in November 2023 when they began their attacks in the Red Sea corridor over the Israel-Hamas war. The IDF added: "Houthi forces installed a radar system on the ship and have been using it to track vessels in the international maritime arena to facilitate further terrorist activities.' The Houthis's military spokesman, Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, claimed its air defense forces "effectively confronted" the Israelis. Israel has repeatedly attacked Houthi areas in Yemen, including a naval strike in June. Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz t hreatened: "What's true for Iran is true for Yemen." Anyone who raises a hand against Israel will have it cut off. The Houthis will continue to pay a heavy price for their actions." The Houthis responded with an apparent missile attack on Israel. The Israeli military said it attempted to intercept the two missiles launched by the Houthis, but they appeared to make impact, though no injuries have been reported. Sirens sounded in the West Bank. Saree on Monday claimed launching missiles and drones targeting Israel in its attack. He said: "We are fully prepared for a sustained and prolonged confrontation, to confront hostile warplanes and to counter attempts to break the naval blockade imposed by our armed forces on the enemy.' The Houthi rebels have been launching missile and drone attacks against commercial and military ships in the region in what the group's leadership has described as an effort to end Israel's offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Between November 2023 and January 2025, the Houthis targeted more than 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, sinking two of them and killing four sailors.
1News
4 days ago
- Politics
- 1News
'Shocking' Melbourne attacks leave Jewish community fearful
Jewish communities in Melbourne are on edge after separate alleged anti-Semitic attacks on a synagogue and two other locations in one night, as police step up patrols and counter-terrorism officers stand ready. Twenty congregants were forced to flee a synagogue in East Melbourne on Friday night after a bearded man in his 30s allegedly doused the building's front door with flammable liquid before setting it alight. Police said they were lucky no one was injured in the targeted act of anti-Semitism on the same night when protesters allegedly smashed a window, flipped tables and threw chairs outside Israeli restaurant Miznon in the CBD. The group of protesters had splintered from a larger demonstration in the city before making their way to the establishment in Hardware Lane, where they allegedly chanted "death to the IDF", referring to the Israel Defence Force. In a separate incident, a group of 20 protestors allegedly stormed and trashed an Israeli restaurant in Melbourne's CBD on Hardware Street. (Source: Nine) ADVERTISEMENT A 28-year-old protester was arrested for hindering police, as detectives sift through CCTV as part of investigations. Hours later, offenders allegedly 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 that the business had been "subjected to pro-Palestinian activity" in the past 12 months. Detectives have issued a photo of a man they wish to speak to over the synagogue attack. They say they are not aware of any links between the three incidents as they continue their probes and have flagged a review of their response to a pro-Palestine demonstration in Melbourne on Sunday. "Our investigators across all three incidents are liaising with our counter-terrorism command," Commander Zorka Dunstan said. None of the incidents have been declared terrorism-related, but the force is increasing patrols around the synagogue and in the city's southeast. "We understand incidents of anti-Semitism can leave communities feeling targeted, threatened and vulnerable," Cmdr Dunstan said. ADVERTISEMENT 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 alleged synagogue arson as a "cowardly" act of violence and anti-Semitism and slammed the attacks on the restaurant and business as 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. ADVERTISEMENT 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 Australian government must do more to fight this poisonous disease."
The Advertiser
4 days ago
- 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."
