Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia has condemned an arson attack on a synagogue in Melbourne, blaming it on antisemitism. The attack occurred as part of protests against the war between Israel and Hamas, causing one person to be injured and extensive damage to the building. Witnesses reported seeing two masked men start the fire, which prompted a large response from firefighters. Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann called the arsonists “thugs” and encouraged the community to come together for prayer.
The Australian Jewish Association expressed outrage at the attack, feeling abandoned by the government, while Victoria state premier Jacinta Allan offered financial support for repairs to the synagogue. The incident has sparked concerns about rising antisemitism in the country, with protesters demanding sanctions against Israel outside another synagogue in Sydney. Israel’s ambassador to Australia stressed the importance of respecting others’ religious beliefs while advocating for the right to worship freely.
The government has pledged to use every available resource to find those responsible for the attack and ensure that the Jewish community is protected. The incident serves as a reminder of the need to stand against antisemitism and uphold the values of religious tolerance and freedom in Australia.
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