Synagogue blaze an ‘act of hate, anti-Semitism’: PM
Around 60 firefighters and 17 trucks were called to the Adass Israel synagogue at Ripponlea in Glen Eira around 4.18am on Friday.
Pic: X
The prime minister says a synagogue blaze was started with accelerant and spread around with a broom, calling the fire “anti-Semitism by definition”.
The prime minister says a synagogue was set on fire as an “act of hate” by arsonists who used a broom to spread accelerant.
About 60 firefighters and 17 trucks were called to the massive blaze at Adass Israel synagogue at Ripponlea in Glen Eira around 4.18am on Friday.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed accelerant was used and police had identified two people of interest.
“This is an outrage. It’s clearly aimed at creating fear in the community,” he told ABC Radio Melbourne.
“I have been briefed this morning by the AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw, there are two persons of interest who were there.
“What was witnessed was them using accelerant and spreading it with a broom, clearly designed to maximise the damage that could occur.”
He told ABC this morning after he had spoken with Jewish Labor MP Josh Burns: “He told me that this is a community that very much revolves around the synagogue. Many Holocaust survivors came from Hungary, in particular after World War II, and it’s been a centre of community activity. It’s a peaceful organisation and community and this attack is just an outrage. I have been briefed this morning by the AFP Commissioner, Reece Kershaw. There are two persons of interest who were there and witnessed, what was witnessed was them using accelerant and then spreading it with a broom, clearly designed to maximise the damage that could occur. Victoria Police, arson squad, are leading the investigation at this stage.
I think an attack on a synagogue is an act of antisemitism by definition.”
Religious leader Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann said “two thugs” broke the synagogue’s windows, threw fuel on the floor and set it alight as people were preparing to pray early Friday morning.
“It’s outrageous,” he told reporters at the scene of the fire.
“Tonight is the sabbath, we must all go and find a sense of calmness, comradery and community by gathering for the sabbath tonight and praying together as one community.”
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said it was the responsibility of “every part of Australian society” to fight anti-Semitism.
“It has been surprising and deeply saddening to me how many times I have felt the need to say that fact over the past year,” he said.
Earlier, Fire Rescue Victoria’s Assistant Chief Fire Officer Brayden Sinnamon said the 30m by 20m building was “fully involved” in the fire and the blaze severity was escalated, with crews using breathing apparatus.
He said two people were evacuated with minor injuries but no other properties were damaged.
Police have asked anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward with information or dash cam/CCTV footage.
The president of the Zionist Federation of Australia Jeremy Leibler said: “The firebombing of a synagogue in Melbourne appears to be another shocking escalation of the hate that we have seen brazenly displayed on the streets of Melbourne every week for over a year.
No one should be surprised; this violent attack is a direct consequence of words turning into actions. Jew-hatred, left unchecked, endangers all Australians.
Enough is enough, this is a stain on our nation. It’s time for all levels of government to turn their words into actions to stamp out this Jew-hatred.”
David Ossip, president of The New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies, commented: “We have woken this morning to the horrific news that a synagogue in Melbourne was deliberately burned down this morning.
Just after 4am, the assailants poured petrol on the Synagogue and set it alight whilst members of the Synagogue were inside. At least two congregants sustained burns and one is currently in a serious condition and is receiving treatment in hospital.
This is domestic terrorism. This is antisemitism. This is “globalising the intifada”.
Two weeks ago, Jewish cars were firebombed and Jewish homes graffitied in Woollahra. Two days ago, a large protest was held outside the Great Synagogue and special arrangements had to be made to allow attendees to leave the Synagogue.
Now, an attempt has been made to burn Jews alive in their Synagogue.
All lines have been crossed and it is only through good fortune that no one has been injured more seriously.
The Jewish community of Australia is absolutely desperate for some long overdue leadership from the Albanese Government.
Instead of directing all of its energy to withdrawing support from Israel, it needs to finally address the domestic crisis of antisemitism which has festered on its watch.
We stand in solidarity with the Melbourne Jewish community and all Jews today who will be feeling deeply traumatised and shaken.”
By: Caitlin Powell and Emily Woods with J-Wire
And Josh Frydenberg hit the nail on the head when questioning why the attack wasn’t labelled as terrorist.