2024 Melbourne synagogue attack
2024 Melbourne synagogue attack | |
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Location | Adass Israel Synagogue, Ripponlea, Victoria, Australia |
Coordinates | 37°52′33″S 144°59′45″E / 37.8758°S 144.9959°E |
Date | 6 December 2024 4:10 a.m.[1] (AEDT; UTC+11:00) |
Target | Members of the congregation, the synagogue building |
Attack type | Arson terrorist attack |
Weapon | Petrol |
Deaths | 0 |
Injured | 1 |
Perpetrators | At least two unknown perpetrators |
Motive | Unknown |
Destruction of the building Injury of one congregation member Victoria Police declare the incident a terrorist attack on 9 December Counter-terrorism units of the Australian Federal Police and Victoria Police search for perpetrators. |
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Antisemitism |
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On 6 December 2024, at approximately 4:10 am local time, an arson terrorist attack took place at the Adass Israel Synagogue of Melbourne in Ripponlea, a suburb of Melbourne, Australia.[2] The resulting fire injured one member of the synagogue and caused significant damage to the building. Investigation of the attack was assigned to the Australian Federal Police's counter-terrorism unit. On 9 December 2024, Victoria Police stated the incident was being treated as a terrorist attack.[3] The perpetrators of the attack reportedly used an accelerant and followed by spreading that throughout the interior of the building with a broom before lighting the accelerant fluid. And police commenced searching for the perpetrators of the attack.[2]
Background
[edit]Following the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, antisemitic actions directed at Australian synagogues occurred. In an incident occurring on 8 October 2023, in New South Wales, two individuals walked past a synagogue and shouted “Allahu Akbar”, before saying that they would “blow up the synagogue”.[4] On 11 October 2023, in Melbourne, a synagogue received a bomb threat.[5] On 23 November 2023, in Western Australia, an individual threw two glasses of red paint at a synagogue.[4] In December 2023, hoax bomb threats were made to several synagogues across Australia.[4] On 25 November 2024, pro-Palestinian protesters targeted a Melbourne synagogue where a panel discussion was organised by the Australian Israel and Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC). An altercation between protesters and counter-protesters led to the police restraining man wearing a keffiyeh.[6] On 26 November 2024, a Chabad synagogue in St Kilda, Melbourne was vandalised with pro-Palestinian and antisemitic graffiti.[7] The targeted synagogue in the December 2024 attack was the Orthodox Adass Israel Synagogue of Melbourne, located in Ripponlea, Victoria. It was built in 1965, designed by Ernest Fooks,[8] and opened on 19 September 1965.[9] It is part of the Adass Israel Congregation, a Jewish group in Melbourne that traces its origins to a split in the Elwood Talmud Torah Hebrew Congregation in 1939/1940. Some of its early members were boys and men who had been sent to Australia by the British on the infamous Dunera in 1941.[9][10] The Synagogue was previously severely damaged in an arson attack on 1 January 1995.[9] The terrorist attack took place in a period where the Australian Government's National Terrorism Threat Level was at probable after being raised in August 2024, indicating that there is a greater than 50% chance of a terrorist attack or attack planning taking place in Australia's near future.[11][12] The threat level had previously been at probable level since shortly after November 2015's Paris terror attacks until 2022 when it was lowered to possible.[12]
Attack
[edit]In the early hours of 6 December 2024, two masked men entered the Adass Israel Synagogue of Melbourne in Ripponlea.[2] The men began pouring an accelerant on the floor and spreading it throughout the interior of the building with a broom when they were disturbed by a congregant who was attending the synagogue.[13][14] The two perpetrators set the accelerant alight just before 4:10 am and fled the scene. The fire spread quickly causing extensive damage to the inside of the synagogue and collapsing part of the roof.[13] One member of the synagogue sustained minor injuries to his hands in the fire.[15][16]
Dozens of emergency service crews, including 65 firefighters, were called to Synagogue shortly after the blaze first started. Firefighters spent more than an hour containing the blaze.[16][17] A crime scene was established after the fire had been put out and members of the synagogue where allowed to enter in the afternoon of 6 December 2024 to retrieve the Torah scrolls, holy books, tallits, tefillin, other artefacts and some personal items.[13]
Aftermath
[edit]On 9 December, in the wake of the synagogue attack, the AFP established Taskforce Avalite to investigate antisemitism in Australia.[18][19] The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) also announced it would be assisting the taskforce in its investigation.[18]
Following the incident, police in Canberra increased patrols around synagogues in the nation's capital.[20]
Reactions
[edit]Australia
[edit]Australian Federal Government
[edit]Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on a radio interview on 6 December that he was "outraged" at the attack. He revealed that he had been briefed that same day by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) commissioner, and that the attack was deliberate and CCTV footage had shown the two assailants spread an accelerant throughout the building with a broom before setting it alight.[21] Albanese also spoke to the government's special envoy for antisemitism, Jillian Segal, on 6 December.[22] On 8 December, Albanese stated the incident was "quite clearly" an act of terrorism, and announced A$32.5 million in federal funding for security upgrades to Jewish schools and community centres.[23][24] Other governmental bodies to condemn the incident included the Australian Human Rights Commission, which stated: "Antisemitism is abhorrent. It is a form of racism which has no place in Australia. This attack is the latest incident in a trend of significant rises in antisemitism."[25] In response to the government's condemnation of the attack and the establishment of the dedicated police taskforce, Jillian Segal, Australia's Special Envoy on Antisemitism, pointed to the lack in serious penalties applied to individuals arrested in related events, such as those flying prohibited flags, and that it has set a tone of permissiveness in Australian society.[26]
Victorian Government
[edit]Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan condemned the attack as an "evil antisemitic attack".[27] On 6 December, at a press conference in front of the synagogue, Allan pledged A$100,000 from the state government to fund the rebuilding of the synagogue.[28] Allan returned unannounced to the site several days later where she was shown the portion of the site destroyed by the firebombing.[29] Similarly, the incident was condemned by local elected officials.[30][31]
Liberal Party of Australia
[edit]Federal Leader of the Opposition, Peter Dutton, said the attack was abhorrent, and that it was to be expected due to what he sees as a lack of compassion for the Jewish people from the Albanese government.[32] Dutton also stated that the funding announced by the federal government on 8 December should be allowed to be used to fund armed guards for Jewish schools and community centres.[24]
Australian Jewish community groups
[edit]The Executive Council of Australian Jewry called for the Australian government to address the incident with action and not merely words, stating "“We ask you, Prime Minister, to reflect on how this has been allowed to occur. We ask you to reflect on how the conditions in which a synagogue can be set alight have been allowed to develop. Your words swiftly condemning the attack were heard by our community. However, the time for mere words has long passed. We now call for action."[33] The Jewish Community Council of Victoria condemned the attack; JCCV CEO Naomi Levin stated: “We were absolutely shocked, but not surprised, to hear that a synagogue here in Melbourne had been attacked overnight. The Jewish community has been warning about an unacceptable rise in antisemitism for more than a year. We hoped it would never come to this, but today, our fears have been realised.”[34] The Jewish Council of Australia issued a statement condemning the attack as an "act of hatred", "disgusting", and "antisemitic violence", and that there was an "urgent need for cooperation, education and community dialogue to combat prejudice and promote understanding".[35] The Jewish Council also condemned efforts to label the attack as a false flag, as the claim would only deepen antisemitic sentiment.[36] The Australian Jewish Association released a statement in which they felt 'outraged' but not surprised due to their view that Australian Jews had been abandoned by the Albanese government.[2]
Religious leaders
[edit]The attack was condemned by the Victorian Multicultural Commission's multifaith advisory group, stating: "Places of worship hold profound meaning for people of faith. The right to feel safe and free to worship in these sacred spaces is fundamental and must be respected and protected. We stand together to promote understanding, respect and harmony among all faith communities and people of goodwill. We assure them of our loving prayers and meditation."[37] Separately, the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne condemned the attack, stating that "A peaceful place of worship has been violated—nothing can justify such violence. Antisemitism has no place in our society. We stand in prayerful solidarity with members of the Jewish community at this time."[38][39] And the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) condemned the attack, stating: “Such acts of hatred and violence must be met with a swift and firm response from law enforcement. We urge the authorities to thoroughly investigate this matter and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”[40] Nationally, the attack was condemned by the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA), stating: "It is for all of us to step up as peacemakers and commit to upholding the safety and harmony of our multi-cultural and multi-faith society in Australia."[41] And the event was described in a statement by Anglican Archbishop of Sydney, who condemned an antisemitic attack in Sydney, stating: "The latest attack on the Jewish community in Sydney is egregious, cowardly and despicable. All people of good will, faith or none, will condemn this outrage. It follows the terrorist attack on the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne, and more than a year of increasing hostility and intimidation of the Australian Jewish community in multiple, grotesque ways."[42]
Others
[edit]On 7 December, former Liberal MP Josh Frydenberg and former Labor senator Nova Peris called at a press conference for the federal government to declare the event a terrorist attack.[43] Frydenberg said that Jewish Australians were now talking openly about leaving the country and that young Jews are forced to conceal their faith and ethnicity for fear of attack. Peris called the attack 'totally deplorable'.[43]
The Australian Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN), via a post on its Instagram account, condemned the attack stating that "attacks on religious institutions have no place in our community."[44] APAN also criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statement linking the attack to Australia's support of a United Nations resolution.[45]
An Islamic preacher in Sydney, who previously came under public scrutiny for antisemitic remarks, issued to his congregation, delivered a statement that blamed the attack on a Jewish conspiracy.[46] The preacher's statement was criticised by the New South Wales Premier, Chris Minns.[47] A statement with similar conspiratorial language was made by the chief of staff of Mehreen Faruqi, a Greens senator. The statement was subsequently retracted and an apology was issued.[36]
Israel
[edit]Prime Minister and President of Israel
[edit]Following the attack and Australia voting in the United Nations General Assembly to expel Israel from its occupied territories, Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu criticised the Albanese government, as well as saying that it was impossible to separate Australia's position in the United Nations with state-sponsored antisemitism.[48] Netanyahu also stated he considered Albanese to be an 'extreme anti-Israelist and anti-Semite'.[49] President Isaac Herzog said that he has spoken with Albanese about the attack, and had told Albanese that the recent antisemitic attacks required 'strong and firm action'.[48]
United States of America
[edit]On 10 December 2024, the Simon Wiesenthal Center issued a travel warning for Jews visiting Australia, advising them to exercise "extreme caution" and that they were "not convinced that Jews are safe [in Australia]".[50]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ MCGUIRK, ROD (6 December 2024). "Australian leader blames antisemitism for arson that extensively damaged a Melbourne synagogue". ABC News. Retrieved 7 December 2024.
- ^ a b c d Jose, Renju (6 December 2024). "Australia police search for two suspects in arson attack on Melbourne synagogue". Reuters. Retrieved 12 December 2024.
- ^ "Police confirm synagogue firebomb is likely terrorism incident". News. Retrieved 12 December 2024.
- ^ a b c A CSG ANALYSIS OF REPORTED ANTISEMITIC INCIDENTS IN AUSTRALIA IN 2023. Community Security Group.
- ^ 2023 Victorian Antisemitism Report. Jewish Community Council of Victoria and the Community Security Group.
- ^ Alfares, M. (2024). "Snap pro-Palestinian protest targets Melbourne synagogue." The Australian. 25 November 2024. Accessed 12 December 2024.
- ^ Hill, Bruce. "Rabbi's wife and children forced to leave". www.australianjewishnews.com. Retrieved 12 December 2024.
- ^ https://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/media/hlilz4e2/10-7-attachment-2b-ho7-review-stage-2-rba-report-appendices-g-and-h.pdf
- ^ a b c "Adass Israel Congregation". St Kilda Historical Society. Archived from the original on 25 March 2016. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
- ^ "Adass Israel welcomes new Rov". Australian Jewish News. 26 March 2019. Archived from the original on 6 April 2023. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
- ^ "Australian National Security Website".
- ^ a b "Why did Australia's Terrorism Threat Level Change?". ARPC. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
- ^ a b c Houston, Cameron; Morgan, Cassandra; Le Grand, Chip; Priess, Benjamin (5 December 2024). "'An act of hate': Counter-terrorism police to investigate synagogue firebombing". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 7 December 2024.
- ^ "Melbourne's Jewish community in shock after synagogue set alight in 'act of hate'". ABC News. 5 December 2024. Retrieved 7 December 2024.
- ^ "Man inside synagogue during firebombing says petrol can was thrown". www.9news.com.au. 6 December 2024. Retrieved 7 December 2024.
- ^ a b Wu, David; Mageros, Adriana (6 December 2024). "Footage inside Adass Israel Synagogue of Melbourne reveals extent of damage after suspicious fire rips through building". Sky News Australia. Australian News Channel Pty Ltd. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
- ^ Mageros, Adriana (6 December 2024). "Melbourne Jewish leader says community is 'reeling' during emotional TV interview after fire tears through Addas Israel synagogue". Sky News Australia. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
- ^ a b Evans, Jake (9 December 2024). "AFP anti-Semitism taskforce 'Avalite' established after synagogue attack". ABC News. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
- ^ "AFP to lead Special Operation Avalite to investigate anti-Semitism | Australian Federal Police". www.afp.gov.au.
- ^ Tindale, L. (2024). "Extra police presence at Canberra synagogues after anti-Semitic attacks." The Canberra Times. 13 December 2024.
- ^ "Radio interview - ABC Melbourne | Prime Minister of Australia". www.pm.gov.au. 5 December 2024. Retrieved 7 December 2024.
- ^ "Dutton vows armed guards at Jewish schools, synagogues after arson — as it happened". ABC News. 8 December 2024. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
- ^ "Albanese says Melbourne synagogue attack 'quite clearly' terrorism". ABC News. 8 December 2024. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
- ^ a b Crowley, Tom (9 December 2024). "Political row deepens over synagogue attack as police declare terror investigation". ABC News. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
- ^ "Melbourne synagogue arson attack condemned by Commissioners". humanrights.gov.au. Australian Human Rights Commission. 6 December 2024.
- ^ "Travel warning for Jewish visitors to Australia after synagogue arson.". 1News.co.nz. 10 December 2024.
- ^ "'Evil antisemitic attack': Jacinta Allan responds to synagogue terrorist attack declaration". Sky News Australia. 9 December 2024. Retrieved 10 December 2024.
- ^ "Victorian Premier pledges $100,000 to help rebuild synagogue after arson attack". Sky News Australia. 6 December 2024.
- ^ Kearns, B. (2024). "Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan ‘emotional’ at firebombed Adass Israel Synagogue." The Australian. 13 December 2024.
- ^ "Statement on Adass Israel firebombing - City of Port Phillip". www.portphillip.vic.gov.au.
- ^ "Statement from the Mayor condemning antisemitic attack on Adass Israel Synagogue". www.gleneira.vic.gov.au.
- ^ "'Unacceptable': Peter Dutton condemns synagogue arson attack | Sky News Australia".
- ^ Benjamin, Henry (8 December 2024). "Crisis point - ECAJ calls for action". J-Wire.
- ^ "JCCV Condemns Heinous Attack on Melbourne Synagogue – JCCV". Retrieved 9 December 2024.
- ^ "Firebombing of Melbourne synagogue is an attack on all of us". Jewish Council of Australia. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
- ^ a b Sakkal, Paul (11 December 2024). "Greens staffer reprimanded for suggesting synagogue arson may have been 'false flag'". The Sydney Morning Herald.
- ^ "Statement on synagogue fire, Melbourne from the VMC Multifaith Advisory Group". www.multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au. 6 December 2024.
- ^ Comini, Rebecca (8 December 2024). "Melbourne Archdiocese condemns firebomb attack on synagogue". CathNews. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
- ^ "Statement from the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne".
- ^ "AFIC Condemns Attack on Melbourne Synagogue - AFIC - Australian Federation of Islamic Councils". 6 December 2024.
- ^ Osora, Noelene. "NCCA condemns attack on Melbourne synagogue". www.ncca.org.au.
- ^ "Antisemitic attacks — Statement from the Archbishop of Sydney : Anglican Church League, Sydney, Australia".
- ^ a b Kirk, Emma; Evans, Duncan (7 December 2024). "Josh Frydenberg and Nova Peris tell Prime Minister to 'step up' after Synagogue firebombing". www.news.com.au.
- ^ "'Jewish people under siege': What we know so far about the 'shocking' synagogue blaze". SBS News.
- ^ "Australia backs UN resolution calling for end to Israel's presence in Occupied Palestinian Territory". ABC News. 3 December 2024. Archived from the original on 5 December 2024. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
- ^ "Wissam Haddad says attack on the synagogue was orchestrated to ‘draw public sympathy’ amid rising anti Semitism." The Daily Telegraph. Accessed 11 December 2024.
- ^ "'Fringe' cleric not helpful, says Minns". The Australian. Retrieved 12 December 2024.
- ^ a b "Labor minister hits back at Israeli PM drawing link between UN vote and synagogue burning". SBS News. Retrieved 7 December 2024.
- ^ Dumas, Daisy; Press, Australian Associated (6 December 2024). "Netanyahu claims Melbourne synagogue attack linked to Albanese government's 'anti-Israel position'". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 7 December 2024.
- ^ "Travel warning for Jewish people visiting Australia after synagogue attack". Nine News Australia. 10 December 2024. Retrieved 10 December 2024.
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