Albanese government commits $31.2m for rebuilding Melbourne’s Adass Israel Synagogue
The Albanese government has announced a $31.2 million funding package to help rebuild Melbourne’s Adass Israel Synagogue, firebombed in a suspected antisemitic arson attack in December.
This funding, which has been written into next week’s federal budget, comes just a day after Opposition Leader Peter Dutton pledged up to $35 million for the same cause.
In a statement, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack, calling it an attempt to intimidate the Jewish community in Australia.
“The firebombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue was a crime of cowardice and prejudice,” Albanese said.
“It was an attempt to threaten and silence the Jewish community, in Melbourne and right around Australia. We won’t stand for that. There can be no place in Australia for antisemitism.”
Anthony Albanese visiting Adass Israel Synagogue in December (Instagram)
New Security Upgrades and Additional Funding
The $31.2 million package includes:
- $30 million for the restoration of the synagogue and its community centre
- $1.2 million specifically for enhanced security measures to protect the site from future threats, and
- $250,000 to replace and restore religiously significant Torah Scrolls, which were damaged in the attack
Macnamara MP Josh Burns emphasized the importance of rebuilding the synagogue while addressing the growing concerns over rising antisemitism in Australia.
“We are committed to ensuring that this community rebuilds,” Burns said.
“The rise of antisemitism is abhorrent and there is no place for the kind of hate speech and attacks we have seen recently in our country.”
Funding Race Between Labor and the Coalition
The opposition Coalition, led by Peter Dutton, announced their up to $35 million commitment just a day before the Albanese government’s announcement. Labor sources believe the Coalition learned about the government’s planned budget allocation and rushed to announce their pledge first.
Despite the political timing, both major parties have expressed firm support for the Jewish community, with Dutton also condemning the attack as “abhorrent” and emphasizing the need to stand against religiously motivated violence.
Community Response and Future Plans
Adass Israel board member Benjamin Klein told the Herald-Sun that the total cost of repairing the synagogue is estimated at $45 million, with $4 million covered by insurance as well as $6 million raised through fundraising efforts.
The additional government funding will help bridge the gap, ensuring the community can restore the historic synagogue while implementing new security upgrades.
