A suspected arson attack engulfed the Adass Israel synagogue in Ripponlea, Melbourne, in the early hours of Friday morning, sparking widespread condemnation and prompting a police investigation. Authorities have confirmed the blaze, which significantly damaged the synagogue, was deliberately lit.
Emergency services were alerted to the fire at approximately 4:10 a.m. Around 60 firefighters and 17 fire trucks responded to the scene, but the building was already "fully involved," according to Brayden Sinnamon, Assistant Chief Fire Officer of Fire Rescue Victoria. Witnesses reported seeing two masked individuals using an accelerant to start the fire, with one witness sustaining a hand injury while entering the synagogue for morning prayers. The attack coincided with preparations for the Jewish sabbath.
Detective Inspector Chris Murray from the Arson and Explosive Squad said the incident was captured on CCTV, but police are still seeking additional footage from the public. Counter-terrorism police are also involved in the investigation.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unequivocally condemned the attack, labeling it a "deliberate, unlawful act." He reiterated Australia’s zero tolerance for antisemitism, stating, “This violence and intimidation and destruction at a place of worship is an outrage. This attack has risked lives and is clearly aimed at creating fear in the community.”
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan described the attack as "hateful" and "violent." She pledged $100,000 toward the synagogue’s rebuilding efforts and assured the public that every available resource would be used to find the perpetrators. Allan stood in solidarity with the Jewish community, declaring, “We stand against antisemitism, now and forever.”
Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann decried the attack as "outrageous" and urged the community to find solace and strength during the sabbath. Members of the Jewish community expressed shock and heartbreak. Benjamin Klein, a synagogue board member, remarked, “We didn’t think it would happen here in Melbourne to us. We’re a quiet community.”
Daniel Aghion, President of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, called it a "tragic day," adding, “There is absolutely no way that any rational person can justify what has happened here today.” Naomi Levin, CEO of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria, emphasized that the incident was “not just a crime against a place of worship, but an affront to the values of tolerance.”
Political leaders across the spectrum condemned the act. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton described the attack as "shocking" and linked it to a concerning rise in antisemitism in Australia. Federal Education Minister Jason Clare called it a “deliberate act of violence” and urged Australians to "call it out."
Police have ramped up patrols in the area and are urging anyone with information, CCTV, or dashcam footage from 3 a.m. onwards on Friday to contact Crime Stoppers. Authorities remain committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice and ensuring the safety of Melbourne’s Jewish community.