Victoria Police on alert after Caulfield synagogue calls for peace

The Caulfield synagogue forced to shut down prayers last Friday evening due to anti-Jewish violence is promoting peace, devotion and reflection.

Rabbi Shmuel Karnowsky at Central Shule in Melbourne’s Caulfield South. Picture: Australian Jewish News

The synagogue impacted by last week’s anti-Jewish protests by pro-Palestine activists in Melbourne is calling for people to “fill our shule” on Friday night to promote peace in the community and to pray for the Holy Land.

Rabbi Shmuel Karnowsky has lamented a sense of anxiety among many worshippers at Central Shule in Melbourne’s Caulfield South, which was forced to shut down amid security advice around the impending potential dangers.

The demonstration by pro-Palestine activists in Caulfield ended in violent brawls between pro-Palestine and pro-Israel supporters, forcing Rabbi Karnowsky to cut short prayers for about 150 people at the synagogue near the protest.

The synagogue, which can cater for about 600 people, is promoting the Central Shule to be filled on Friday evening for “love, song, prayer and positivity … Let’s come together and support each other in welcoming Shabbat with joyous song and uplifting prayer, in solidarity with the Jewish people in Israel and across the world.’’

It comes as Victorian political leaders urge respect among the various communities which are mourning last month’s Hamas terror attacks in Israel and the war that has broken out in Gaza as a result of the worst attacks on Israelis since World War II.

Rabbi Karnowsky said he was encouraging people to go to their own shule but the aim was to promote peace and calm within the Jewish community, which is one of the largest in the world outside the Middle East.

“There’s a certain level of anxiety and concern,’’ he said.

“I don’t think things are settling down’’

Rabbi Karnowsky said Shabbat, which happens each week from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday, was an opportunity for reflection and gathering together that would help unite people. “It’s the idea of resilience and strength and confidence in who we are, and what we believe in,” he said.

Police say 60 extra officers will patrol the strongly Jewish suburbs of St Kilda, Caulfield and Balaclava following a request from community leaders during a meeting on Saturday.

Locals say the Central Shule is attended by many South African Jewish immigrants.

Former Victorian Liberal premier Ted Baillieu said he was “aghast” at recent instances of anti-Semitism in the state.

“One of the joys and strengths of Victorian society is our multicultural base. This is one of the last great competitive strengths Victoria has, and yet we’re allowing division, intolerance and intimidation to dominate,” he said. “I am aghast. I am genuinely fearful.”

He said police should be given every power necessary to crack down on anti-Semitism.

Former Victorian Labor premier Steve Bracks said the state had a rich history of successful multiculturalism. “I would urge all Victorians to continue to respect each other’s race, religion and beliefs,’’ he said.

Last week’s protests were sparked by the destruction by fire on Thursday night of a burger shop in Caulfield owned by Palestinian Australian Hash Tayeh, who has been prominent in pro-Palestinian protests.

Police do not believe this was politically motivated and are examining footage of the incident that shows two people entering and leaving the building.