Worshipers have condemned an Australian synagogue as an “act of hate” after it was set on fire.
Firefighters were called to Melbourne’s Adas Israel Synagogue shortly after 04:00 local time on Friday (17:00 GMT Thursday) when they arrived to find the building fully engulfed in flames.
Community leaders told local media that “some people” were inside during morning prayers and they reported throwing firebombs inside. One person was injured and the fire caused extensive damage.
Police say they believe the fire was set intentionally but are keeping an “open mind” about the motive.
In a statement, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the incident in Ripponlea, southeast of the city, was “aimed at creating fear in the community”.
“This violence and threat and destruction at a place of worship is an outrage,” he wrote.
“I have zero tolerance for anti-Semitism.”
He said he had been briefed by the Australian Federal Police, which is providing support to authorities in the state of Victoria.
“The people involved must be caught and face the full force of the law.”
Victoria Police said the exact cause of the fire had not yet been determined and a fire chemist would be visiting the scene.
However, Det Insp Chris Murray said a witness said two men in masks had spread the catalyst inside the building.
He appealed to anyone who witnessed the incident or has CCTV or dashcam footage from the local area to contact the police.
Synagogue board member Benjamin Klein told The Age newspaper that he “heard banging on the door and window, and some liquids lit up.”
“The whole thing came out pretty quickly,” he said.
Det Insp Murray – who was confronted by angry worshipers while briefing the press – said police would commit significant resources to the investigation and increase patrols around the area.
“We’re going to do everything we can to make sure they can return to their local synagogues, fully Australian—that is, able to worship without fear.”
