US EditionAustralia police charge man over alleged arson on Melbourne synagogue
MELBOURNE, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA, JUL 6 – The charged man allegedly targeted three Jewish or Israel-linked sites with arson, vandalism, and violent chants amid heightened tensions, police said.
- A 34-year-old man was arrested and charged on Sunday for setting fire to a Melbourne synagogue during Shabbat dinner on Friday night.
- This attack was part of three antisemitic incidents in Melbourne targeting the Jewish community, including a violent restaurant disturbance and car arson.
- Around 20 worshippers escaped uninjured through the synagogue's back as firefighters extinguished the blaze at the historically significant Albert Street site.
- Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu called the attack "reprehensible" and demanded the Australian government act fully to stop similar future incidents.
- The events prompted strong condemnation from Australian and Israeli leaders and led police to investigate whether the arson constitutes terrorism.
106 Articles
106 Articles
Renewed pressure on governments to address anti-semitism
Australia's political leaders are under renewed pressure to tackle antisemitism in Australia. The call for action comes as police probe a spate of fresh attacks, including at least four in Melbourne at the weekend, including the alleged firebombing of a synagogue on Friday night.
Columbus Jewish News
J-WireAustralia’s antisemitic arsonist and the choice the country faces
It can allow the door-burners to triumph, permitting hatred to fester until it consumes the values that make Australia a beacon of multicultural success, or it can choose to be a nation of door-openers.The post Australia’s antisemitic arsonist and the…
Melbourne synagogue fire an ‘attack on Australia’, says minister
Australia's Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke on Sunday (July 6) called an alleged arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue with worshipers in the building, the latest in a series of incidents targeting the nation's Jewish community, an “attack on Australia”.
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