Caulfield North gym fire forces evacuation of apartment complex, restaurant
A suspicious blaze that destroyed a suburban gym formerly owned by an Israeli far-right political activist has sparked hate crime fears and left the devastated owners asking “why are you ruining businesses?”.
Victoria
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A Caulfield North gym targeted in a suspected hate crime was formerly owned by Israeli far-right political activist Avi Yemini.
Arson squad detectives were on Tuesday probing a suspicious blaze that gutted Body Moves gym on Hawthorn Rd about 5am.
Emergency crews evacuated residents living next to Body Moves gym on Hawthorn Rd when the blaze began about 5am.
Police and firefighters were alerted to the fire when a passer-by called triple-0.
About 70 firefighters and 30 trucks responded to extinguish the fire, which gutted a gym on the top floor of the building.
The building is a fitness hub and home to Bayside Health and Fitness, Body Moves yoga studio and a physiotherapist.
Owner Leora Yates became emotional as she detailed the extent of the damage, which destroyed the cherished weights she had used to compete in world championships.
“I’ve spent the last couple of years building it up into a beautiful community gym, great feel and I’m devastated, absolutely devastated … all my hard work,” she said.
“It’s everything. I’ve put so many hours into my gym and it’s all gone.”
Ms Yates, who opened the gym during the pandemic, awoke to an alert that the gym’s alarm had been triggered by intruders.
Several years before Ms Yates took it over, controversial right-wing commentator Avi Yemini owned a gym inside the same complex called IDF Training.
That gym was believed to be involved in teaching members how to use firearms in the same way as Israeli soldiers and offered to help Australians join the IDF when it opened in 2015.
A white car with two people inside was seen in the area at the time the fire started.
“Some people heard yelling and then they drove off,” Ms Yates said.
She said she remained in the dark about the motive behind the attack which has left Caulfield’s Jewish community on edge, demanding answers from those involved.
“This is a predominately Jewish area and an arson attack in this area is obviously going to put everyone even more on edge than they already are,” she said.
“Why? Why are you ruining businesses? Why are you ruining people’s lives?
“We’re all in a bit of shock … we are feeling supported but it’s devastating.”
Ms Yates estimated that the fire had caused at least $70,000 of damage, and destroyed her beloved weight set.
“I don’t know what the future holds but I’m hoping I can somehow start again and build it up,” she said.
“It’s just a waste. Why do that to a business … everyone is just trying to run their business and live their life”
“It’s heartbreaking.”
Acting Sergeant Dean Herskope said investigators were yet to determine the circumstances surrounding the fire.
“The circumstances regarding the fire are unclear but will form part of the investigation,” Sergeant Herskope said.
“We spoke to the owners — obviously, they’re quite upset.”
Neighbours reported seeing the two people run into a white car seen parked in the middle of Hawthorn Rd at the time of the fire.
Caulfield resident Danny Lamm said the entire community had been affected by the targeted attack.
“That person has lost their business. This is a terrible experience,” Dr Lamm said.
“Every member of this community has been impacted.”
Owners of neighbouring businesses could be seen watching on as crews extinguished the fire. Some appeared to be crying.
Residents have told the Herald Sun the Jewish community is fearful after the blaze, which comes three months after chain restaurant Burgertory, owned by Palestinian-Australian Hash Tayeh, was set alight in November.
“The Jewish community are feeling highly, highly unsafe right now,” one resident said.
“People should accept other people’s point of view.”
Owners of the affected businesses have been speaking with police, but declined to comment on the incident.
No injuries have been reported.
Fire Rescue Victoria assisting chief officer Chris Gee said nothing upstairs, including any gym equipment, could be saved.
“On arrival, the crews found that the top floor was well alight,” Mr Gee said.
“The top floor is extensively damaged, there’s nothing remaining that could be used.
“There’s been no penetration downstairs, but there’s water damage downstairs.
“There has also been no penetration to the buildings to the left and right hand side of the fire floor. They’re very lucky.”
Mr Gee said extinguishing the fire was a “complex” mission for crews because it was located in a two storey building surrounded by properties with residents that had to be evacuated.
“Access was very, very tricky,” he said.
“We were able to access the top floor using our aerial appliances to be able to extinguish the fire.”
One resident said it was a relief nobody was injured.
“To get that call so early in the morning was a shock,” she said.
“I am just glad that no one was hurt.
“The inside (of the gym) has been completely destroyed.”
It is not yet clear what sparked the fire.
Hawthorn Rd, near the intersection at Balaclava Rd, remained blocked off on Tuesday morning.
Anyone with information about the blaze should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au
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