)- A devastating arson attack on a synagogue in a Melbourne suburb has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation
A Despicable Act of Hate – Australian Leaders Condemn Synagogue Arson Attack in Melbourne Suburb
Melbourne, Australia- (The Post News)- A devastating arson attack on a synagogue in a Melbourne suburb has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation from Australian leaders. The Adass Israel synagogue in the suburb of Caulfield was targeted in the early hours of Friday morning, with two witnesses describing the suspects as wearing masks and pouring a liquid accelerant on the floor.
The police are currently searching for three individuals believed to be involved in the attack, which caused significant damage to the building and left one congregant with a minor injury.
“We are working to establish the exact circumstances of the fire, and at this stage, believe it was a targeted incident,” said Chris Murray, the officer in charge of the arson and explosives squad at Victoria Police.
The attack has been widely condemned by Australian leaders, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stating that he has “zero tolerance for antisemitism” and that it “has absolutely no place in Australia.”
“This violence and intimidation and destruction at a place of worship is an outrage,” Albanese added.
Jacinta Allen, the top official for the state of Victoria, echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiments, stating that the government could “absolutely identify that this is an act of antisemitism.”
The incident is the latest in a string of antisemitic attacks in Australia, which have increased significantly since the Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023.
The Australian Jewish community has expressed shock and outrage over the attack, with Jewish leaders calling for increased security measures and greater vigilance in the face of rising antisemitism.
“We are deeply disturbed by this brazen attack on a synagogue,” said Daniel Grynberg, the president of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria.
“We urge the authorities to take swift and decisive action to bring the perpetrators to justice and to ensure the safety and security of the Jewish community.”
The police are urging anyone with information about the attack to come forward, as they work to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent future incidents of antisemitism.
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