An alarming incident unfolded at a historic synagogue in East melbourne on a recent Friday night, where an individual attempted to set the building on fire. This act, targeting a place of worship during Shabbat services with approximately 20 people inside, marks a disturbing escalation in a series of anti-Jewish and anti-Muslim incidents across Australia since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Thankfully, swift action prevented serious injury, though the attack has sent ripples of fear through the community and drawn widespread condemnation. Authorities are actively investigating this event and a spate of related incidents that occurred on the same night.
Attempted Attack Details Emerge
The incident took place around 8 pm on Friday at the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation, located on Albert Street. According to police reports, a man entered the synagogue grounds and poured a flammable liquid onto the front door before igniting it. The heavy timber doors caught fire, and the blaze caused superficial damage to the building’s bluestone facade before firefighters arrived within minutes to extinguish it.
Approximately 20 individuals, including families and children, were inside the synagogue at the time, attending a service and sharing a Shabbat dinner just metres from the entrance. Upon noticing suspicious activity via security cameras and smoke entering the building, those inside were able to safely evacuate through a rear exit. No physical injuries were reported among the congregants.
Rabbi Dovid Gutnick, who was present during the attack, described noticing the suspicious activity on security cameras just before the smoke became apparent. He expressed his belief that the attack was deliberately planned. Despite being shaken by the experience, Rabbi Gutnick reiterated the synagogue’s role as a welcoming community beacon. For diners like Jenny Segal, the event was frightening and has unfortunately impacted their sense of safety within Melbourne.
Investigation Underway
Victoria Police have launched a comprehensive investigation into the attempted arson. They have released images and a description of a man they wish to speak with in connection with the fire. He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, in his 30s, with a beard and long hair. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage and exploring the possibility that others may have been involved in the attack.
This synagogue arson is currently being investigated by a joint task force involving Victoria Police, Australia’s national security agency (ASIO), and the federal police (AFP). While the incidents are being thoroughly examined, police officials, such as Victoria Police Commander Zorka Dunstan, have stated they are not treating the attacks as acts of terrorism at this stage, pending clarification of the perpetrators’ intent and ideology. However, Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel explicitly labelled the attacks as “terrorism” aimed at intimidating the Jewish community and undermining Australian values.
Police are also probing potential connections between the synagogue arson and at least two other concerning incidents that occurred in Melbourne on the same night or shortly after.
Broader Context: A Night of Multiple Targets
The attempted synagogue fire was one of several incidents targeting properties with perceived links to Israel or the Jewish community in Melbourne on that single night.
Restaurant Disturbance: Around the same time as the synagogue incident on Friday night, a group of about 20 protesters branched off from a larger rally and targeted Miznon restaurant on Hardware Lane in the CBD. The restaurant is reportedly partly owned by Israeli entrepreneur Shahar Segal, who is a spokesman for the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). Some protesters wore masks and keffiyeh scarves. They allegedly shouted offensive chants, including “Death to the IDF” and “Miznon out of Melbourne,” scuffled with staff, overturned tables, and reportedly threw tomatoes. Police arrested one 28-year-old man for hindering police, but investigations into others involved are ongoing, including reviewing social media and CCTV. The group behind the original rally explicitly condemned attacks on places of worship and denied involvement in the synagogue arson. Restaurant staff, who are from diverse backgrounds, described the experience as very scary but later held a resilience ritual.
Business Vandalism: Early Saturday morning, around 4:30 am, a third incident occurred at Lovitt Technologies Australia in Greensborough, in the city’s north-east. Three cars were set alight, and a wall was spray-painted with graffiti critical of the Israeli military. This business, identified as a weapons company with ties to Israel, has reportedly been targeted by protesters previously.
Victoria Police Commander Dunstan noted that while all three incidents have “inferences of antisemitism” or anti-Israel activity, investigators have not yet established a definitive link between them. She condemned the crimes as “disgusting and abhorrent.”
Surge in Antisemitism Across Australia
These attacks in Melbourne occur amidst a deeply troubling surge in antisemitic incidents across Australia. Data shows a dramatic rise in hate-related crimes targeting the Jewish community over the past year. For instance, a report documented over 2,000 antisemitic incidents in the 12 months ending September 30, 2024, representing a staggering 316% increase compared to the previous year.
Melbourne has experienced other attacks on Jewish institutions recently, including the firebombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea in December 2024, which is still under counterterrorism investigation, and vandalism at the South Yarra Synagogue last month.
Separately, in Sydney, police have established a dedicated task force to address a spate of antisemitic offenses. This task force has made multiple arrests in connection with incidents, including an attempted arson and graffiti attack involving swastikas at a synagogue in Newtown in January. Two men have been charged in that specific case, which authorities are treating as a hate-motivated crime, though they denied bail due to flight risk and risk of further offenses. The Sydney incidents are part of the same national trend of increased antisemitic activity.
Australian authorities, including federal counterparts, are reportedly investigating whether foreign entities, potentially including Iran, could be linked to hiring individuals to carry out some of these recent antisemitic attacks across the country, following reports of similar activities overseas.
Widespread Condemnation and Community Impact
The attacks have prompted swift and strong condemnation from across the political spectrum and community leaders. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan called the synagogue attack “disgraceful,” characterising it as an act of hate and antisemitism, particularly abhorrent on the Jewish Sabbath. Victorian Police Minister Anthony Carbines described the arson attempt as a “heinous, horrific, criminal act.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged the full force of the law against those responsible and assured federal support for the investigations. Federal Ministers have highlighted the crucial need for education about antisemitism to combat rising hatred.
Shadow Police Minister David Southwick urged that the attacks be treated as hate crimes, asserting that Melbourne should not become a battleground for overseas conflicts. He also noted the historical significance of the targeted East Melbourne synagogue, built in 1877. Melbourne Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece labelled the attacks as despicable and racist.
Jewish community leaders have expressed deep concern and fear following the incidents. The Jewish Community Council of Victoria president, Phillip Zajac, acknowledged the quick response by firefighters but stressed the severity of attacking a place of worship, calling it dreadful and distinct from the Middle East dispute. Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, viewed the attacks as proof that the antisemitism crisis in Melbourne is worsening, describing those involved as individuals engaging in terror rather than seeking peace.
Community members have expressed gratitude for the support received from neighbours, civic leaders, and passers-by. Leaders from the Anti-Defamation Commission called the synagogue attack barbaric and demanded immediate action, justice, and enhanced protection for Jewish institutions.
Considerations are being made regarding increased security measures for places of worship. However, Rabbi Gutnick expressed reluctance to transform the historic and welcoming East Melbourne synagogue into what he termed “Fort Knox,” fearing it could compromise its open atmosphere. Police are providing proactive patrols in affected areas and offering support to the broader Jewish community. The federal opposition has called for increased security measures nationally, citing actions taken in countries like the US, UK, France, and Germany in response to rising antisemitism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly happened at the East Melbourne synagogue?
On the evening of Friday, July 4, 2025, a man attempted to set fire to the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation building. He allegedly poured a flammable liquid onto the front door and ignited it. Approximately 20 people were inside attending Shabbat services and dinner but safely evacuated through a rear exit. The fire caused superficial damage to the door and facade before being quickly extinguished by firefighters.
Are the synagogue attack and other incidents in Melbourne linked?
Police are currently investigating potential connections between the attempted arson at the East Melbourne Synagogue and other incidents on the same night, including a disturbance at the Miznon restaurant and vandalism/arson at Lovitt Technologies Australia. While these events occurred around the same time and have inferences of antisemitism or anti-Israel sentiment, investigators have not yet confirmed a direct link between the specific perpetrators of each incident.
How do these attacks fit into broader trends in Australia?
The attempted arson in Melbourne is part of a significant and alarming nationwide surge in antisemitic incidents. This trend has seen a dramatic increase in hate crimes targeting the Jewish community across Australia over the past year, including other attacks on synagogues in Melbourne and Sydney. Authorities are investigating these incidents within the context of rising tensions related to the Middle East conflict and are even exploring the possibility of foreign actors influencing or directing some attacks.
Conclusion
The attempted arson attack on the East Melbourne Synagogue serves as a stark reminder of the rising tide of antisemitism impacting communities in Australia. While quick action prevented injury, the incident, coupled with other contemporaneous attacks in Melbourne and a documented national surge in hate crimes, highlights the vulnerability felt by the Jewish community. Investigations are ongoing to identify those responsible and determine any links between the disturbing events of that night. Leaders have strongly condemned the attacks, underscoring the urgent need for vigilance, justice, and efforts to combat hatred and ensure the safety and security of all Australians.
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