Worshippers flee as synagogue in Melbourne is set on fire in targeted attack
Footage has captured the horrifying moment a Melbourne synagogue went up in flames after a “suspicious” fire was lit.
Footage has captured the moment early morning worshippers were forced to flee as a Melbourne synagogue went up in flames.
The alarm was raised at the house of worship in the inner southeastern suburb of Ripponlea, a region of Melbourne, about 4.10am on Friday, with firefighters working for 40 minutes to get the blaze under control.
In footage of the incident, flames and thick pillars of smoke can be seen climbing into the sky as police surround the streets.
Firefighters can be seen hosing down the torched building on Friday morning.
Police allege two men wearing masks were seen spreading an accelerant inside the synagogue.
A crime scene has been established and the fire is being treated as suspicious.
Arson and explosives squad Detective Inspector Chris Murray reassured the community that the police were taking the arson seriously and doing everything they could to protect the community, including increasing patrols.
“It is absolutely Australian to be able to worship without fear,” he said.
The Herald Sun reports ultra-Orthodox community members were inside the synagogue at the time.
“They saw people throw liquid inside and light it on fire,” synagogue board member Binyomin Klein told the Herald Sun.
“The two guys had to run out the back door.
“One of them got burns on his hands.”
Hundreds of people were expected to begin gathering at the temple in the hour after the fire begun.
“This synagogue is one of the busiest in Australia,” Mr Klein said.
Jewish businessman Menachem Vorchheimer said the building had been “firebombed” and called it an “act of terrorism”.
The Adass Israel Synagogue of Melbourne on Glen Eira Ave has been significantly damaged.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allen said she stood with the “heartbroken” congregation of the Adass Israel congregation.
“Like any place of worship in this state, it should be a refuge – a place of peace, prayer and safety,” she said.
“Every available resource will be deployed to find these criminals who tried to tear a community apart.”
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said the attack was “totally unacceptable in our country” and called on the Prime Minister to take a strong stance against the perpetrators.
“I want to pretend this wasn’t expected or couldn’t have been predicted, but I can’t do that to the Australian people,” Mr Dutton said.
“We have seen the rise of anti-Semitism in our community since October 7 last year in an unprecedented way.”
He accused Anthony Albanese of “condoning” a climate that has led to a rise in anti-Semitism with its stance on Israel.
The Prime Minister said the violence and destruction at a place of worship was an outrage.
“I unequivocally condemn the attack on a Melbourne synagogue early this morning,” Mr Albanese said in a statement.
“I have zero tolerance for anti-Semitism. It has absolutely no place in Australia.
“The people involved must be caught and face the full force of the law.”
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) December 5, 2024
The Australian Jewish Association said in a statement the government had “abandoned the Jewish community”, blaming anti-Semitic sentiment on protests calling for the end of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories.
“Labor has stood by as ugly anti-Semitic protests have taken over our streets, week after week,” AJA chief executive Robert Gregory said.
“Under Labor, anti-Semites from the far left, the far right and from within the Islamic community have all been encouraged.
“Earlier this week, Australia diverged from US policy to vote with 156 other countries at the UN for the end of Israel’s “unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory as rapidly as possible”.
Mr Dutton said this decision had “created an air of uncertainty” in Australia.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said he was “appalled” to hear about the attack.
“We stand in solidarity with our Jewish friends both in Sydney and around the country,” he said, noting that he had spoken to Jewish community leaders.
“Just two weeks ago we had that disgusting night of vandalism in Woollahra.”
Mohammed Farhat, 20, was arrested at Sydney’s International Airport late last month over his alleged role in the Woollahra vandalism.
Police allege one car was torched and nine other vehicles and three properties were graffitied with messages including “f**k Israel”, racking up to as much as $100,000 in damages.
“NSW Police will be increasing patrols and as well as high visibility taskings around key places in Sydney,” Mr Minns said.
“You deserve to feel safe in your own city. If these acts are designed as a campaign of intimidation, they will fail.”
Police believe the incident at the synagogue was captured on CCTV but are yet to determine if the footage has been damaged by the fire.
Theyare calling for anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage for the Glen Eira Ave area to come forward.
Fire Rescue Victoria said the 20-by-30m building was fully on fire when crews arrived.
Firefighters had to wear breathing apparatus to attack the fire.
A train level crossing was closed for a time; however, trains were running again as of 7.30am.
“This synagogue was built by Holocaust survivors and this just brings back terrible memories,” Mr Klein said.
“The synagogue is the centre of the community.
“For the jewel in the crown to be burnt like that is horrendous.”
Zionist Federation of Australia president Jeremy Leibler said the attack should be condemned.
“No one should be surprised; this violent attack is a direct consequence of words turning into actions. Jew hatred, left unchecked, endangers all Australians,” Mr Leibler said.
“Enough is enough, this is a stain on our nation. It’s time for all levels of government to turn their words into actions to stamp out this Jew hatred.”
Speaking to the ABC later in the morning, Mr Klein said a “huge amount” of holy books, Torah scrolls and furniture had been destroyed.
“It’s quite horrendous and the community is really reeling from it,” he said.
The hundreds of synagogue members were distressed by the incident, he said.
“To see it burnt and in ruins is quite horrendous to happen to a quiet community in Melbourne, Australia. You don’t expect such things to happen,” Mr Klein said.
“It’s been quite scary. In the last 12 months we’ve had increased security, we’ve had a lot of discussions with police and local security groups, the threat levels have gone up. “We’ve had a lot of incidents.
“We’re just simple Australian people, born and bred in Melbourne, have our heads down, we’re not involved with anything that happens anywhere. And while we don’t know what happened and why this happened … people should just live and let live.”
Australia’s Anti-Defamation Commission chairman Dvir Abramovich said the “senseless” attack was “deeply unsettling and heartbreaking”.
“Places of worship are sacred sanctuaries of peace and reflection, and to see one so deliberately and grievously damaged is a source of immense anguish,” Dr Abramovich said.
“While I am profoundly grateful that no lives were lost, my heart goes out to those who now face the pain and trauma of this senseless act.
“This incident highlights the critical need for vigilance and unity. It is a sobering reminder that acts of hatred and violence must be met with resilience and an unwavering commitment to stand together as a community.”
The strength of the congregation and the broader Jewish and Australian communities “will be the foundation on which they rebuild”, he said.
“To those responsible for this heinous act, you will not succeed in intimidating or dividing us,” Dr Abramovich said.
“The Jewish community has endured far worse and has always emerged stronger. My full support and solidarity are with the Adass Israel congregation as they begin the painful but determined journey of recovery and healing.”
Mr Albanese was briefed on the incident by the federal police commissioner and the commonwealth would provide full assistance to Victorian authorities.
“This deliberate, unlawful attack goes against everything we are as Australians and everything we have worked so hard to build as a nation,” Mr Albanese said.
Read related topics:Melbourne
Arson charges laid on eve of fire ban
A man has been charged with intentionally setting fires in an area that has been gripped by bushfires and extreme fire danger.
Read more
Horror incident reveals grim holiday trend
An infant has been diagnosed with PTSD following a shocking incident, as experts warn the Christmas break can mark a dangerous period for children.
Read more
Police hunting ‘semi-naked’ man after fire
A man is suspected of setting himself alight outside a fast food venue on Christmas morning after singed underwear and clothing were found at the scene.
Read more