Coalition pledges $35 million to rebuild Adass Israel Synagogue
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has pledged $35 million toward the rebuilding of Melbourne’s Adass Israel Synagogue, which was firebombed in December 2024 in what police have described as a likely act of terrorism.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of December 6, remains under active investigation by Victoria Police and the Australian Federal Police (AFP). While no arrests have been made, authorities have stated they are exploring potential links to extremist groups as part of their inquiries.
Speaking at the damaged synagogue in Ripponlea, Mr. Dutton vowed that a future Coalition government would ensure the place of worship is restored, saying it would be rebuilt “bigger and better.”
“We want to bring it back to life, much bigger and better than what it was,” Mr. Dutton said, standing alongside Liberal candidate Tim Wilson. “That is a symbolic response to those people who have hate in their hearts.”
Peter Dutton (M Chan, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons)
Addressing Rising Antisemitism
The attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue comes amid a broader rise in antisemitic incidents across Australia. According to the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), antisemitic incidents have increased by more than 700% since October 2023, following the Hamas attack on southern Israel.
Mr. Dutton emphasized that ensuring security for Jewish Australians is a national priority.
“People in the Jewish community feel they’re under siege at the moment, and they feel scared,” he said. “I want them to know that our government will be standing shoulder to shoulder with them.”
As part of its broader plan to address antisemitism, a Coalition government has pledged to also introduce a judicial inquiry into antisemitism at Australian universities, a policy to deport visa holders convicted of antisemitic crimes, and a $32.5 million security funding package for Jewish schools and synagogues, including funding for armed guards.
Government Response and Bipartisan Support
During a December visit to the fire-damaged site, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that his government would provide financial support for the synagogue’s restoration.
“We will do what we need to do to restore this synagogue, including providing whatever support is necessary financially,” he said.
Following the Adass Israel Synagogue attack, the federal government also committed security funding to Jewish institutions. In response to an arson attack on a childcare centre in Maroubra, Sydney, which was also vandalized with antisemitic graffiti, the Albanese government allocated $32.5 million in security funding to Jewish institutions.
With law enforcement continuing to investigate the synagogue firebombing, political leaders from both sides have stressed the need for stronger protections for religious communities in Australia.
