Jewish people stand up: Light at end of the tunnel in face of terrorist attack

The devastating arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue has ignited an extraordinary response of unity, resilience and hope.

Flowers at the Adass Israel Synagogue on Sunday in Ripponlea. Picture: David Crosling

The quiet suburb of Ripponlea in Melbourne’s southeast woke to the sound of shattered glass and blaring alarms on Friday, as two masked thugs violently stormed their way into the Adass Israel Synagogue, leaving it in ruins.

Yet from the devastation of the terror attack arose an extra­ordinary display of unity and resilience on Sunday, as up to 1000 people rallied together to defy hatred and terrorism.

Leaders from both major political parties, including Labor MP Josh Burns and opposition home affairs spokesman James Paterson, joined Victorian Liberal leader John Pesutto and MP David Southwick in a poignant show of bipartisan support. Noticeably ­absent was Victorian Premier ­Jacinta Allan.

While there was grief, there was also anger. Mr Burns was booed by the crowd for being a part of the Albanese government but the local MP was saved by Liberal MP David Southwick, who told the crowd: “It’s tough for Josh.”

“Let’s just acknowledge the fact that he also has had his office targeted and burnt. He may be in the wrong party and his leadership hasn’t stood up but he’s here today and he’s been with the community and I think we should at least acknowledge that,” he said as Mr Burns stood by his side.

The ultra-Orthodox synagogue in Ripponlea, a symbol of faith, had been firebombed early on Friday morning.

Flames engulfed the historic temple, destroying sacred Torah scrolls, priceless artefacts, and generations-old furniture.

Internal image of the damage to Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea after it was firebombed on Friday. Picture: Yumi Rosenbaum

On Sunday, flowers and heartfelt messages adorned the synagogue’s entrance. Attendees lit candles, sang traditional songs and held hands in a solemn reflection that transformed a site of devastation into one of hope.

The air buzzed with chants of “Bring them home” and “Enough is enough”, resonating with the anguish of 101 Israeli hostages still held captive in Gaza.

The synagogue’s president, Michael Spigelman, told The Australian the most likely outcome would be to demolish the old place of worship and rebuild it from the ground up. “The damage is too extensive,” he said. “One part of the synagogue was OK, but the other end was gone … we believe there will have to be a full demolition.”

Despite the heartbreak, Mr Spigelman expressed optimism about the future.

“We can see light at the end of the tunnel, we see the outpouring of emotions from Jewish and non-Jewish people,” he said.

“We will, with God’s help, move ahead and rebuild a better and brighter future for ourselves and our future generations.”

Victorian Liberal Party deputy leader David Southwick speaks at a vigil near the Adass Israel Synagogue of Melbourne after it was destroyed by fire on Friday. Picture: Andrew Henshaw/NewsWire

Taxibox founder and chief executive Ben Cohn, who lives near the Ripponlea synagogue, told The Australian his family woke up to screaming outside and later the sounds of fire trucks on Friday morning. He said this incident would only make the Jewish and Ripponlea community stronger.

“I’m Jewish but I love the vibe in the community, and it’s peaceful, positive and energetic. The fact they’ve targeted that community is horrible and just such senseless destruction,” he said.

“They’ve targeted people who are Jewish but may not even support Israel. Yes, being Jewish and Israeli gets linked, but you should also find a way to separate things and see that while you may be angry at Israel, that shouldn’t mean you get to attack innocent Jews.

“This attack makes this community stronger and more connected. It makes us stronger and further entrenches my connection with the identity of being Jewish.

“I love being Jewish, I’m so proud of our culture and our heritage and who we are and this actually just brings us much closer and stronger.”

The vigil concluded with the singing of “Hatikvah” (“The Hope”), the Israeli national ­anthem, as a symbolic gesture of endurance.

More than $300,000 has been raised to help restore the synagogue through a charity.