Ultra-Orthodox worshippers appear to scale roof to get access to synagogue in Melbourne

Police are investigating footage of a secret over-the-roof entrance which appeared to be used by worshippers to gain access to a Melbourne synagogue.

Police are investigating a video showing people climbing over a roof to allegedly get into a synagogue in Melbourne.

The video, which has gone viral, was in the same location to where people were caught breaching lockdown rules this week.

Victoria Police confirmed on Saturday morning that they were probing the footage.

“Victoria Police is still investigating an illegal gathering on Glen Eira Road, Ripponlea on Tuesday 7 September,” a statement said.

“In total, 11 fines totalling $5452 each have now been issued.

“Police will continue to investigate the incident using all intelligence and information available, including recent videos which have surfaced on social media, and issue infringement notices to adults who attended the illegal gathering.”

Footage has been widely circulating in WhatsApp groups across the city, showing the bizarre lengths that are being taken to show religious observance.

In the footage, a man in traditional dress can be seen climbing onto a roof, and then scaling down a ladder and into another building.

A woman with an Australian accent can be heard in the video saying: “I s**t you not, they’re getting into the synagogue by literally crawling across the roof. He’s going to go down that ladder and sneak down there. This is my kitchen window. I’m just trying to do dishes, what the f***?”

The video shows a series of rooftops with distinctive chimneys and the back of building facades.

Google maps pictures and satellite footage shows that it has the same roof line and chimneys as a synagogue in Ripponlea in Melbourne’s inner east where police were called earlier this week.

A video circulating in Melbourne shows people climbing across buildings to allegedly get into a synagogue.

A video circulating in Melbourne shows people climbing across buildings to allegedly get into a synagogue.

A spokesman for the Satmar group, who were at the centre of a Covid-19 rule breach in Ripponlea this week hung up the phone when contacted this morning.

He did not respond to text messages with still images of the footage.

Members of the Caulfield Jewish community with the media as fellow community members are questioned by police as they leave an illegal gathering. News Corp is not suggesting these people are connected to the video footage in this story. Picture: Mark Stewart

Victoria Police has handed out $5,452 fines for people breaching lockdown rules.

Up to 100 people in the ultra-Orthodox Satmar community were likely to receive a fine for attending a service to celebrate the Jewish New Year.

A video circulating in Melbourne shows people climbing across buildings to allegedly get into a synagogue.

Police waited outside the synagogue in a tense standoff on Tuesday. A cameraman was allegedly assaulted as he filmed people leaving the premises.

Victorian opposition Deputy leader David Southwick said this week the group had been bending health rules to have gatherings.

Members of the Caulfield Jewish community speak with police as fellow community members wait to leave an illegal gathering. News Corp is not suggesting these people are connected to the video footage in this story. Picture: Mark Stewart

“My understanding is they were operating under an AA-type meeting and mental health group that allows you to have 10 people congregate at a time,” Mr Southwick said.

“So the (Department of Health) did not have enforceability powers because that group were operating in a certain guise.”

More than $300,000 in fines was handed out following an engagement party that was held in breach of Covid rules in Caulfield North last month.

In that video, the groom-to-be made jokes about the restrictions to laughter from the crowd.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews this week said he wanted all community groups to follow Covid-19 rules.

“I understand this has been a difficult year for lots of people … if you break the rules we will be in lockdown longer,” he said.

David Southwick, Victorian Deputy Opposition leader, said he had repeatedly reported concerns about lockdown breakers to police, as far back as 2020.

“Throughout COVID-19, I have been regularly contacted by concerned local residents in relation to ongoing suspected breaches in the Ripponlea area. I have raised these issues on multiple occasions with the Premier, Minister for Police, Minister for Health and Victoria Police, and yet the breaches have continued,” he said.

“Such actions are a slap in the face to every community member who is making sacrifices each and every day to keep themselves, their family, and community safe.”

Originally published as Ultra-Orthodox worshippers appear to scale roof to get access to synagogue in Melbourne