Two people suffered minor injuries after a firebomb attack at the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea, Australia Friday morning. Around 60 firefighters and 17 trucks responded to the blaze at 4.18 am.
Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann reported that “two thugs” broke synagogue windows, poured fuel, and ignited it as people prepared for morning prayers. Worshippers escaped the building, but two sustained minor injuries. “It’s outrageous,” Rabbi Kaltmann said.
Synagogue board member Benjamin Klein confirmed flammable liquids were used. “They heard banging on the door, and the window and some liquids came through which were lit. The whole thing took off pretty quickly and was on fire,” Klein explained. “One member who was inside ran out and had his hand burnt.” He added, “For this to happen to a synagogue thousands of kilometres away from anywhere else in the world, a peaceful neighbourhood, a peaceful community – it is quite horrendous.”
The synagogue, which Klein said was “built by Holocaust survivors,” was expected to be filled with hundreds of worshippers shortly after the attack. He noted the destruction of holy books and Torah scrolls within the sanctuary, saying, “To see it burnt and in ruins is quite horrendous to happen to a quiet community in Melbourne, Australia. You don’t expect such things to happen.”
Fire rescue Victoria’s assistant chief fire officer Brayden Sinnamon reported the building was “fully involved” in the fire, requiring crews with breathing apparatus to combat the “escalated” blaze.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the incident as a “violent act of anti-Semitism aimed at creating fear in the community.” He told ABC Radio Melbourne, “I have been briefed this morning by the AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw, there are two persons of interest who were there.” He continued, “What was witnessed was them using accelerant and then spreading it with a broom, clearly designed to maximise the damage that could occur.” The Prime Minister concluded, “It’s a terrible morning to wake up to this news, which all Australians should unequivocally condemn…This is an outrage. The violence and intimidation and destruction of a place of worship is something that we should never see in Australia.”
The attack follows Australia’s support of a UN resolution calling for Israel to withdraw from occupied Palestinian territories and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s subsequent warning about potential repercussions.
Zionist Federation of Australia president Jeremy Leibler said, “This violent attack is a direct consequence of words turning into actions. Jew hatred, left unchecked, endangers all Australians… Enough is enough, this is a stain on our nation. It’s time for all levels of government to turn their words into actions to stamp out this Jew hatred.”
