Hate Attacks Rock Melbourne's Jewish Community over Shabbat | WATCH
A surge in antisemitic attacks across Australia, including recent violent incidents in Melbourne, has raised alarm among Jewish communities and political leaders. Authorities have responded with heightened security measures and investigations.
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On Friday night, two significant incidents of antisemitism rocked the Jewish community in Melbourne, occurring at the onset of Shabbat. The attacks have heightened concerns about the safety and security of Jewish institutions and individuals in the city.
Arson at East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation
Around 8 p.m., a man allegedly poured a flammable liquid on the front door of the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation and set it alight. Congregants inside were having a Sabbath meal when the attack occurred, causing visible damage to the synagogue's exterior. The incident left the community deeply shaken, with reports of smoke and chaos interrupting their religious observance.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and Federal Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke condemned the attack, describing it as a cowardly act of antisemitism. A major police investigation is underway, reflecting the seriousness with which authorities are treating the incident.
Protesters Target Israeli-Owned Restaurant
Simultaneously, in Melbourne's CBD, a group of protesters targeted an Israeli-owned restaurant, leading to a confrontation that required police intervention. The protest was part of a series of actions against Jewish and Israeli-associated businesses, with police noting the antisemitic undertones of the event. An arrest was made following clashes between the protesters and law enforcement.
These attacks are part of a troubling trend of increased antisemitic incidents in Australia over the past year. Previous events include attempted arson and graffiti on synagogues in Sydney and Melbourne, as well as attacks on other Jewish institutions like a day care center. The rise in such violence has prompted the formation of a federal task force to investigate and address antisemitic threats and attacks.
The Jewish Community Council of Victoria has urged vigilance and announced increased security patrols in response to the heightened threat.
Australian political leaders and community figures have universally condemned the attacks, emphasizing the need for solidarity and action against antisemitism.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to the attacks.
He said, "I view with great severity the antisemitic attacks that occurred last night in Melbourne, which included an attempted arson of a synagogue in the city and a violent attack on an Israeli restaurant by pro-Palestinian rioters.
These despicable antisemitic attacks, accompanied by cries of “Death to the IDF” and attempts to harm a place of worship, are serious hate crimes that must be uprooted.
The State of Israel will continue to stand alongside the Jewish community in Australia, and we demand that the Australian government take every possible action to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent such attacks in the future."