By : Lloyd Mahachi
A devastating arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue has left the Jewish community in shock and fear. The attack occurred at the Adass Israel synagogue in Ripponlea, with firefighters called to the scene just after 04:00 local time on Friday. The building was found to be fully ablaze, with worshippers forced to flee for their lives. The synagogue is a place of worship and community for many, and the attack has left a sense of unease and vulnerability among its members.
Community leaders have reported that a few people were inside the synagogue at the time of the attack, attending morning prayers. Witnesses described seeing firebombs thrown, with one person injured and extensive damage caused to the building. The attack was clearly premeditated, with the perpetrators using incendiary devices to cause maximum damage. The fact that the attack occurred during morning prayers, a time when the synagogue is typically filled with worshippers, makes it even more disturbing.
Police believe the fire was deliberately lit, but are keeping an open mind on the motive behind the attack. The investigation is ongoing, with police reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing witnesses. The fact that the attack occurred in a place of worship makes it even more heinous, and police are working to determine whether it was motivated by hate or other factors.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned the attack as an “act of hate”, stating that it was “clearly aimed at creating fear in the community”. He emphasized his zero-tolerance policy for antisemitism and pledged support from the Australian Federal Police to assist in the investigation. The Prime Minister’s statement was echoed by other leaders, who condemned the attack and pledged to do everything in their power to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
The attack is believed to be an escalation of a recent increase in antisemitism in Australia. Jewish community leaders have expressed concern over the rising trend, with Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion stating that “none of the Jewish community is surprised. We’ve known this has been coming”. The attack on the synagogue is just the latest incident in a growing trend of hate crimes and antisemitic incidents in Australia.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with Victoria Police committing significant resources to the investigation. Detective Inspector Chris Murray appealed for anyone with information or footage of the incident to come forward, emphasizing the need to ensure that worshippers can return to their synagogues without fear. The police are working to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice, and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
The attack on the Melbourne synagogue serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of hate and intolerance. It is essential that authorities take swift and decisive action to address the rising trend of antisemitism in Australia and ensure that all communities can worship and live without fear of persecution. The attack is a wake-up call for Australians to stand together against hate and intolerance, and to work towards creating a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Editor : Josephine Mahachi