Attack on Synagogue in Melbourne: Australian Authorities Launch Investigation

5th July 2025

2 minutes read

Attack on Synagogue in Melbourne: Australian Authorities Launch Investigation

A new hate crime has shaken Australia, prompting strong condemnation on Saturday, following an arson attack targeting a synagogue in the city of Melbourne.

Australian authorities described the incident as an “antisemitic act” and a “hate crime targeting freedom of worship” in the country.

Incident Details
According to Victoria State Police, the fire broke out on Friday evening at a synagogue in eastern Melbourne while around 20 people were inside observing religious rituals.

Firefighters managed to contain the flames before they spread inside the building, and no injuries were reported.

Preliminary investigations suggest the attacker poured a flammable substance on the synagogue’s front door and set it ablaze. Police suspect a white male in his 30s, though his identity remains unknown.

Official Condemnation
Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan expressed her shock at what she described as a “blatant violation of the sanctity of places of worship.” In an official statement, she said:

“Any attack on a place of worship is an act of hate. An attack on a synagogue is an antisemitic act that must not be tolerated.”

Local police also emphasized that “there is no place in our society for hate-based or racially and religiously discriminatory behavior,” assuring that investigations are ongoing to identify and prosecute the perpetrator.

Rising Incidents
Australia has witnessed a surge in antisemitic incidents since the Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent Israeli war on Gaza. Jewish organizations have criticized the government for not taking sufficient action in response.

Since the beginning of this year, acts of vandalism have targeted Jewish homes, schools, and places of worship across the country, along with vehicle arsons and racist graffiti.

Israel, which considers Australia one of its closest allies in the Pacific region, has been following these developments with deep concern. The Israeli government has previously called on the Australian authorities to provide greater protection for the Jewish community.