A synagogue in downtown Melbourne was set ablaze on Friday evening in what authorities have labeled a politically motivated and potentially antisemitic attack. Around 8 p.m., a man ignited the double doors of the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation while approximately 20 worshippers were gathered inside for a Shabbat meal.
The congregation evacuated through a rear exit, and no injuries were reported. Firefighters quickly contained the blaze to the entrance. Authorities have released surveillance footage of the suspect as investigations continue. Victoria Police have not yet declared the incident a terrorist act but are actively examining the attacker’s intent and ideology.
This attack follows a similar arson event last December at the Adass Israel Synagogue, where masked men used liquid accelerants to set the building on fire. A worshipper in that case suffered minor burns, and no arrests have been made. Both incidents have stoked fears within Australia’s Jewish community amid a surge of antisemitic attacks following the Hamas-led assault on Israel last October.
Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan condemned the attack, calling it an act of antisemitism designed to “traumatize Jewish families.” The state’s counter-terrorism team, involving federal police and intelligence services, has taken over the investigation. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had previously blamed similar synagogue attacks on antisemitic motives.
In a separate but related incident on the same night, a group of approximately 20 masked individuals attacked an Israeli-owned Miznon restaurant in downtown Melbourne. The mob broke a window and allegedly chanted slogans including “Death to the IDF.” A woman was arrested for hindering police during the response.
Jewish community leaders and political figures have called for unity and protection of religious freedoms. Synagogue president Danny Segal urged Australians to stand together and reject hatred, saying, “We’re here to be in peace… What they’re doing is just not fair and not right.”
Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dvir Abramovich said the coordinated nature of the synagogue and restaurant attacks signaled a dangerous escalation. Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece labeled the incidents as “absolutely shocking,” calling on the community to reject antisemitic violence.
Israel’s deputy foreign minister also condemned the events, calling them “yet another reminder of how far racist, antisemitic hate crimes have spread in the heart of Australia.”
