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The destroyed interior of the Adass Israel synagogue.
To conclude, here’s a look back at the day’s major events:
- The arson and explosives squad is investigating the pre-dawn firebombing of Adass Israel synagogue in Ripponlea, in the heart of Melbourne’s Jewish community.
- Witnesses reported seeing two suspects in dark clothing and masks at the scene at the time of the attack, shortly after 4am.
- Local business owner Yumi Friedman was in the synagogue and shared his account of alerting police.
- Jewish leaders condemned the attack. “This is a tragic day for the Australian Jewish community. We have been warning about the risk of this since last year 7 October,” said Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese “unequivocally condemned” the attack, describing it as an “outrage”.
- Other politicians – including Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, local Jewish MPs Josh Burns and David Southwick, and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan – all denounced the attack.
- Israeli ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon attempted to de-escalate tensions between the two countries, saying the federal government is not responsible for the “deeply rooted” antisemitism.
- At midday, members of the Adass Israel community were able to retrieve religious and personal items, including Torah scrolls and prayer shawls.
- Premier Allan pledged $100,000 to help rebuild the synagogue and a further $1 million for Jewish community security infrastructure grants.
- Religious and multicultural groups – including the special envoy for social cohesion, Peter Khalil – roundly condemned the firebombing as an attack on all Australians who cherish peace and religious freedom.
