04-07-2025
Melbourne synagogue torched by arsonist and Israeli restaurant stormed by protesters
Horror scenes have played out in two separate antisemitic attacks in Melbourne overnight, which saw a synagogue torched by an arsonist and a Jewish restaurant stormed by 20 masked protesters in the city's CBD.
In terrifying scenes, the restaurant Minzon in Hardware Lane was targeted by masked pro-Palestinian protesters, who raged through the venue Friday night, about 8.30pm.
The mob reportedly chanted 'death to the IDF (Israeli Defence Force)' as they picked-up chairs and food, launching it at the restaurant windows during the attack.
A window was smashed in the chaos.
Victorian police quickly responded to the attack, arresting a number of the protesters.
In a separate incident on Friday, Melbourne police are probing a fire at an East Melbourne synagogue, which occurred at 8pm.
A man is believed to have entered the grounds from the synagogue on Albert Street, where he poured a flammable liquid on the front door and set it alight.
There were approximately 20 people in the synagogue at the time of the attack.
The man left on foot, fleeing west on Albert Street.
Everyone inside the synagogue managed to exit to the rear of the building.
There are no reports of injuries.
'Police are engaging with people from the synagogue and other representatives from the Jewish community to ensure appropriate supports are in place,' a Victoria Police spokesperson said.
'Police are still working to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the fire including the motivation behind the incident.
'There is absolutely no place in our society for anti-Semitic or hate-based behaviour.'
Anyone who witnessed the arson attempt on the synagogue and has CCTV, dashcam footage or any other information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
